I'm the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.
Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. 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 the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
