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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people 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 another time, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

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 tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. 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 too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”