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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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