I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. 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 performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
