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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

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