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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience 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 opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, 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 competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

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