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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”