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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back 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 reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”