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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back 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 qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”