I Became the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”