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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”