I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
