I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
