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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different 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 made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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