I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – 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 “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”