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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”