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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”