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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back 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 stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win 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 real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”