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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals 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 close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”