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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”