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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. 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 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 stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”