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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders 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 a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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 resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”