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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”