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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder 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 prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”