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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “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 came 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 determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying 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. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”