I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”
