I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, 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.”
