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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “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 determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. 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. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”