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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”