I Am the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various 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 each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”