I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “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 compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”