I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, 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 once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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 take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”