Ukrainian Aonishiki Wins Third Emperor’s Cup at Nagoya Basho on July 26

Sekiwake Aonishiki won the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament championship on July 26, 2026, defeating Ozeki Kirishima and Sekiwake Atamifuji in a three-way playoff at IG Arena in Nagoya. The 22-year-old Ukrainian wrestler finished with 12 wins and 3 losses, making him the first wrestler in sumo history to claim the Emperor’s Cup while securing special re-promotion to ozeki rank in the same tournament.

How Aonishiki won the playoff

Aonishiki entered the final day with a 12-2 record, one win ahead of Kirishima and Atamifuji. He lost his final regular match to Atamifuji but won the three-way playoff by defeating Atamifuji first, then Kirishima in consecutive bouts. All three wrestlers finished 12-3, triggering the playoff. Aonishiki won by forcing Kirishima out of the ring after a low charge with his left hand inside.

Historic achievement despite injuries

Aonishiki had secured his ozeki re-promotion by reaching 10 wins on day 11, but continued competing despite a left ankle injury and a new left big toe injury sustained on day 8. He matched the record for most wins by a wrestler securing special-exception return to ozeki, previously held by Takakeisho in September 2019. His victory marks the first time since 1969 that a wrestler has won the Emperor’s Cup while achieving ozeki re-promotion in the same tournament.

Aonishiki’s path from Ukraine to sumo stardom

Born Danylo Yavgusyshyn in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Aonishiki moved to Japan in April 2022 after Russia’s invasion of his homeland. He made his professional debut in September 2023 and reached the top division in just nine tournaments. He won his first championship in November 2024 and achieved the fastest ozeki promotion in 14 tournaments. He now holds three championships and is a candidate for yokozuna promotion.

What comes next for Aonishiki

Aonishiki will return to ozeki rank for the September Autumn Tournament. In his post-match interview, he stated he aims to reach the highest rank of yokozuna. He also won the technique prize for his performance at Nagoya. His stablemaster, former Sekiwake Aminishiki, praised his mental resilience and noted that Aonishiki studies athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo to develop his mindset.

Final Thoughts

Aonishiki’s third championship cements his status as sumo’s fastest-rising foreign star. His victory while injured and during his ozeki re-promotion tournament is unprecedented. He now enters September as a legitimate yokozuna candidate.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.