I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.
Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
