I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square 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 arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
