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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “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 set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”