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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”