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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”