I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”