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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, 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”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”