I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience 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 referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”