I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”