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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, 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’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”