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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. 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.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title 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 real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”