I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came 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 every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
