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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment 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 familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”