I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “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 a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
