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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People 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 free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”