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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”