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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”