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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”