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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”