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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. 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 act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”