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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, 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, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. 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. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”