I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “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.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”