I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I discovered 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 volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
