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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “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 take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, 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 won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”