I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature 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 inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. 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. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
