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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

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