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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition 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 “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”