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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”