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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 hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”