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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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 take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”