I'm the Imaginary Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people 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 on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”