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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member 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 couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”