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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

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