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When I was just 10, I came across 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 inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town 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 compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. 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. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: 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.”