I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary 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. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory 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 true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”