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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”