I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People 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 free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”