🔗 Share this article I Became the Imaginary Guitar World Champion When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August. Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined. In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol. Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day. Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year. The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief. The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise. Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones. Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded. The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”. The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world. Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities. Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”