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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

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 thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned 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 performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”