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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting 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. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”