I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, 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 lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
