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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”