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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched 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 Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”