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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown 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 chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”