I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”