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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “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 set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”