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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 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.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”