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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. 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 most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”