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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought 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 iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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