I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”