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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine 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 great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”