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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette 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 since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”