I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for 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 accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
