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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”