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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, 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 felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, 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 support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”