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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”