I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.
Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
