I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life 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 promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
