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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. 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 set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, 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 decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win 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 competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”