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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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