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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”