I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
