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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”