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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. 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 iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”