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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing 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 closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”