I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. 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 biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”