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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, 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 felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”