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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”