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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA 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 international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”