I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, 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 another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, 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, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”