I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”