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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”