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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track 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 occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, 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 found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”