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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different 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 qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming 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 read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”