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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling 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 many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily 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 surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”