I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. 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.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”