I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing 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 adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
