I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”