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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”