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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back 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 reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”