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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” 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 routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”