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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”