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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player 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 serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”