I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”