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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network 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 competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”