I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate 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 improvise.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
