I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”