I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score 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 create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”