I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”