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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”