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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator 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 people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling 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 few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”