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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came 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 qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”