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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”