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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory 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 genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, 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, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”