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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of 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, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “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 participate. 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 make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”