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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. 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 “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”