I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next 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 found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”