I'm the Imaginary Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze 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 everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”