I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”