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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, 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 remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”