I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”