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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents 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 miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “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 resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”