I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”