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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “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 came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”