I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”