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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different 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 annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”