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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”