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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”