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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”