I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”