I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came 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 performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”