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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, 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 felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – 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 inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected 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 jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”