I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back 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 reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

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 shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”