I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. 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 make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – 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 prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”