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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”