I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. 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 audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto 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 able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing 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 independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”