I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
