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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”