I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
