I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”