I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
