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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set 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 genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”