I Am the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “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 resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming 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 read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”