I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”