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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper 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 very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, 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 felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing 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 bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”