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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”