I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. 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 resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, 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 allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
