I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
