I Am the Imaginary Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose 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 leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, 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 “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”