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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”