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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “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 claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”