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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”