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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”