I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
