I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge 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 embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”