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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned 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 stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”