I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”