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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest 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 initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”