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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”