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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”