I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”