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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”