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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”