I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
