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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

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. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”