I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
