I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
