I Am the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”