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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. 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 resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

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 true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”