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When I was just 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. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”