I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”