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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature 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 participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “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 compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”