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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”