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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner 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 earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”