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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience 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 started the show another time, 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 performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”