I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” 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 performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”