I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
