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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”