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Back when I was 10, I came across 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 helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”