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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life 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 next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”