I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee 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 decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”