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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”