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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”