I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
