I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
