I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system 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 create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. 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 won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”