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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

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 many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”