I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”