I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, 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, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
