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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, 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 thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”