I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
