I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 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 pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”