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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

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

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”