I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “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 set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”