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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette 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 back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion 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 a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”