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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature 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 participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”