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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds 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 kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”