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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”