I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, 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 audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted 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 square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”