Sumo Nagoya Basho 2025: Kotoshōhō claims first title at new Aichi Arena

The Nagoya Basho 2025 is over, and wasn't it an exciting tournament! Although there are finally two yokozuna, neither of them left a lasting impression: one bailed out after five bouts (Hōshōryū), while the other one (Onosatō) gave four "kinboshi" (a "gold star" victory, specifically when a lower-ranked maegashira wrestler defeats a yokozuna). The only ozeki (Kotozakura) struggled to achieve his kachi-koshi (勝ち越し), a winning record. In the end, three outsiders competed for the Emperor's Cup: Kusano, a complete rookie who debuted in the top league, Aonishiki, a young and highly talented rikishi from Ukraine, and Kotoshōhō, who ultimately defeated the Ukrainian to claim victory. Upsets galore!



Rank-and-file wrestler Kotoshōhō took centre stage at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on 27 July, dramatically capturing his first top-division title during the first event to feature two yokozuna (横綱) in four years. Held for the first time at the new IG Arena, the 25-year-old from Chiba Prefecture—whose real name is Toshiki Tebakari—clinched the Emperor's Cup with a commanding 13-2 record after defeating maegashira No. 1 Aonishiki on the final day.

His victory marked the first time a maegashira (前頭) wrestler had taken the makuuchi (幕内) division championship since Takerufuji's surprise win in last year's spring tournament, when he triumphed as the lowest-ranked maegashira No. 17. Kotoshōhō, ranked at maegashira No. 15, performed remarkably throughout the tournament, claiming victories over higher-ranked foes, including wrestlers in the komusubi (小結), sekiwake (関脇), and yokozuna (横綱) ranks.

Kotoshoho's triumph marks the first time a maegashira wrestler has won a makuuchi division tournament since Takerufuji's surprise victory in the spring tournament last year. Takerufuji was a maegashira No. 17, the lowest among all wrestlers in the makuuchi division. Kotoshoho, a maegashira No. 15, enjoyed a championship run notable for his victories over opponents from the top ranks, including yokozuna, sekiwake and komusubi. He defeated newly minted yokozuna Onosato on Day 13 in a stirring showdown. The 190-centimeter, 167-kilogram rikishi utilized his favored migi-yotsu (right-hand inside grip) and yori (driving) techniques to overpower opponents throughout the 15-day tournament. Having made his professional debut in the November 2017 Kyushu tournament while still a third-year student at Saitama Sakae High School, Kotoshoho entered the top division in July 2020.

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