I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
