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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”