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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, 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 title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”