I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”