I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, 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 won, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”