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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”