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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”