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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own 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 determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”