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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”