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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after 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 performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”