I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, 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 guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – 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 remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”