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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band 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 fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. 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 gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”