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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, 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 raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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