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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”