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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several 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 each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win 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 genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

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