I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – 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 comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
