I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
