I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people 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 on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
