I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
