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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”