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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. 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 one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”