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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”