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At the age of 10, I discovered 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 very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, 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 free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”