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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; 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.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”