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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several 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 reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first 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”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”