I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition 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 biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title 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 contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”