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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network 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 intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”