I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”