I Became the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, 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 on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
