I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”