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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”