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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”