I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
