I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub 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 little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
