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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, 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 believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”