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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals 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 close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”