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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”