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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators 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 reached the championship, 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 judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”