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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”