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Back when I was 10, I discovered 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 helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family 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 determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending 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 many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”