I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”