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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “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 came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”