I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “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, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
