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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”