I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”