Ukrainian Sumo Star Aonishiki Wins Third Emperor’s Cup on July 26

Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Aonishiki Yavhusyshyn won the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on July 26, claiming his third Emperor’s Cup with a 12-3 record. The 22-year-old sekiwake competed through injuries to his left ankle and big toe, then defeated sekiwake Atamifuji and ozeki Kirishima in a three-way playoff. His victory also secured his return to the ozeki rank, making him the first wrestler ever to regain that rank in the same tournament.

How Aonishiki won the playoff

Aonishiki lost his final regulation bout on day 15 to Atamifuji, leaving him tied at 12-3 with Atamifuji and ozeki Kirishima. In the playoff rematch, Aonishiki got a strong hold on Atamifuji’s belt and drove him out of the dohyo. He then defeated Kirishima to win his third Emperor’s Cup. Speaking to reporters on July 27, Aonishiki said, “I feel I am here today because I did not give up in continuing to do my best.”

Historic ozeki return after one tournament

Aonishiki was promoted to ozeki after the Kyushu tournament in November 2025, the fastest achievement from the bottom of sumo since 1958. But he suffered his first losing record in March and sat out the next tournament due to his left foot injury, which demoted him to sekiwake for Nagoya. His 12-3 record cleared the 10-win standard needed for a demoted sekiwake to return to ozeki. No wrestler who regained ozeki under that special rule has ever won a tournament at the same time.

Competing through injury

Aonishiki fought through left ankle and big toe injuries throughout the Nagoya tournament. He also received the Technique Prize for the fourth time, a rare honor that reflects his skill despite physical pain. His victory marks his third Emperor’s Cup in the last three top-division tournaments, cementing his place among sumo’s elite at just 22 years old.

What this means for yokozuna promotion

Aonishiki is now positioned to pursue yokozuna, the highest rank in professional sumo. Yokozuna requires sustained excellence at ozeki and typically two consecutive tournament wins or an equivalent record. His rapid rise and consistent tournament victories have made him a serious candidate, though the path remains demanding even for elite wrestlers.

Final Thoughts

Aonishiki’s victory rewrites sumo history by combining an Emperor’s Cup win with an unprecedented ozeki comeback in a single tournament. At 22, the Ukrainian wrestler has established himself as a generational talent and a genuine threat for yokozuna promotion.

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