I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit 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 captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate 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 track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
