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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for 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 accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” 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 act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. 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”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”