I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings 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 thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”