I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town 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 on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities 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 promising opportunities.
At present, 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.”
