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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing 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 referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”