I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
