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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. 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”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”