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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different 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 win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”