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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”