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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”