I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. 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 stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “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 set to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
