I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, 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. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”