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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale 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 picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”