I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went 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 stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”