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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”