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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period 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 band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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