I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
