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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”