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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”