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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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