I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”