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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming 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. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”