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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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