I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community 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 event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
