I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
