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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly 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 primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”