I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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