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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”