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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “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 returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”