I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”