I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined 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 competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, 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 create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”