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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; 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.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round 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. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. 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”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”