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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate 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 act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”