I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”