I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose 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 limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”