I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace 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”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”