I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge 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 everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
