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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”