I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
