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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. 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 able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”