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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”