I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city 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 budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”