I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee 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 people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
