I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. 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 make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
