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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. 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. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”