I Am the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease 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 square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”