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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”