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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, 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 returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “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 determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”