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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final 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 support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”