I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature 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 very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
