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When I was just 10, I discovered a article 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 volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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