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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA 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 world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”