I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”