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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

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

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”