I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. 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.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win 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 real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”