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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various 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 placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score 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 Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community 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. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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