I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”