I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
