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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. 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.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner 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 rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”