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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”