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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”