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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “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 participate. I went 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 choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”