I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”