I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, 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 accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”