I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist 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 win this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
