I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
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 tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
