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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”