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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”