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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”