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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, 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 Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. 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 participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”