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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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.

Our global network 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 high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”