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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, 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 embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”