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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, 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, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. 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 excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”