I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”