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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event 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 iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit 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 adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network 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 everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”