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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song 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 occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”