I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”