I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage 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.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
