I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”