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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

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

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”