I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered 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 helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”