Large number of fans supported Antti Tuisku's first Finnish Championships skiing – former artist: 'It was emotional'

A significant number of fans supported Antti Tuisku in his first skiing competition at the Finnish Championships, which drew many new spectators to the ski track. The former pop star began the men's classic 10-kilometer race first on Saturday. According to the event organizers, Tuisku's participation impacted advance ticket sales, with an unofficial estimate of around two thousand attendees, including several hundred specifically there to see him.

The atmosphere surrounding the event was electric, with dozens of fans wearing yellow hats from Tuisku's AT Ski Team seen around the competition area well before the men's race started. Those wearing the yellow hats gained free entry to the stadium.

A loud cheer erupted every time Tuisku skied through the stadium, especially just before his departure when his song Peto on irti played over the loudspeakers.

Tuisku himself was moved by the encouragement he received, stating, "It was really emotional coming up that last hill when people were cheering there."

Tuisku completed the 10 kilometers in a time of 32:59.6, finishing 142nd, with eight other skiers trailing behind him.

The Pietiläinen sisters, Henna and Jonna, traveled all the way from Lappeenranta just to see Tuisku compete. "We have been fans since his time on Idols, so we had to come and see him," Henna stated. They acknowledged that without Tuisku's participation, they likely would not have attended the skiing events at all.

The excitement was palpable, as the friends Suvi Leppänen, Iina Kahelin, and Suvi Tuomi came from Hämeenlinna to support their idol. "We love him so much. We aren't really skiing fans, but it was clear that we would come to cheer him on here," they explained.

Having announced in February last year that he would become a full-time skier, Tuisku has set his sights on competing in the 2025 Finnish Championships.

For more details, you can check these articles: 1. Antti Tuisku's SM project faced challenges – with these goals he takes to the slopes 2. The Finnish Championships in skiing bring great visibility to Imatra – the most anticipated skier is Antti Tuisku