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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved 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 competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, 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 independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”