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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”