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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”