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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different 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 every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”