I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting 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 imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
