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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”