This last Grand Sumo Tournament was really intense on the final day, with a showdown between the two Yokozuna.
Onosato and Hoshoryu Face Off in a Historic Yokozuna Showdown
Both Onosato and Hoshoryu were fighting for their first championship after being promoted to Yokozuna. The atmosphere inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan was electric, as the sold-out crowd awaited the decisive bouts that would settle one of the most dramatic tournaments in recent memory.
Intense Final Day at the Ryogoku Kokugikan
Everything was decided in the last match of the tournament, a playoff between Onosato and Hoshoryu. In the final scheduled bout of the day, Onosato lost to Hoshoryu, leaving both with 13 wins and 2 losses and forcing a playoff.
The last time two Yokozuna faced off in a playoff was in 2009, when Asashoryu, Hoshoryu’s uncle, defeated Hakuho.
Playoff Drama: Onosato’s Redemption Victory
Despite the initial loss, where a confused Onosato was overwhelmed by Hoshoryu, Onosato took the fight to a new level and won the playoff. In that final bout, Onosato regained his composure, executed his favored right-hand inside grip, and defeated Hoshoryu by yorikiri (frontal force out). The match ended with some controversy when one of the referees questioned the outcome because of how close the finish was, but after a judges’ conference, the decision stood and Onosato was declared the winner.
This means Onosato emerged as the champion of the tournament, taking a big step forward, while Hoshoryu, though falling short, remains determined to win in the next tournament in November in Fukuoka. Since his promotion to Yokozuna four tournaments ago, Hoshoryu has only made it through to the final day twice, with injuries limiting his performance.
Special Prizes Highlight Rising Sumo Talent
The special prizes also reflected the depth of talent on display this September. Hakuoho received the Outstanding Performance Prize. Wakatakakage, who had been aiming for an Ozeki promotion, ended the tournament with a disappointing 6–9 record after losing to Takanosho on the final day. Despite strong performances earlier in the tournament, he couldn’t find the consistency needed to stay in contention. His opponent, Takanosho, finished 12–3 and earned the Fighting Spirit Prize for his impressive showing.
What’s Next: Fukuoka Tournament in November
It was a fitting conclusion to a memorable tournament, full of energy, skill, and emotion, and fans now turn their attention to the next contest in November in Fukuoka, where Onosato and Hoshoryu are sure to renew their rivalry.
