I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after 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 create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”