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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC 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 the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”