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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”