I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
