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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; 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.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. 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 gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”