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Back when I was 10, I read about 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 volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final 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. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”