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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”