I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. 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 determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
