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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”