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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”