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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. 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 set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”