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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”