I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
