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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge 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 choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win 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 real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”