I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder 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, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”