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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”