I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”