I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”