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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, 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 a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”