I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator 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 everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected 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 hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze 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. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”