I Am the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”