I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
