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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition 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 titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group 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 mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”