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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”