I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”