I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

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 real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”