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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”