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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, 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 real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”