I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

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 hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”