I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper 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 starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved 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 may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
