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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “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 set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”