I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”