I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score 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 create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”