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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience 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 started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”