I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette 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 starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
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 true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
