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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by 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 music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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