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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”