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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”