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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

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