I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, 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 captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “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 came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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