I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”