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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned 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 reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”