I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”