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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

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 many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”