I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, 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 triumphed, the area went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
