I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale 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 create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”
