I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”