I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
