I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, 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 chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”