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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town 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 on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”