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10h ago

Sumo Returns to Royal Albert Hall With Sold-Out Opener as Yokozuna Triumph

The Japan Sumo Association aims to grow the sport’s global audience by staging a full ritual-rich basho in London.

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Sumo Wrestling - The Grand Sumo Tournament - Royal Albert Hall, London, Britain - October 15, 2025 Yokozunas Onosato and Hoshoryu ahead of the tournament Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Sumo Wrestling - The Grand Sumo Tournament - Royal Albert Hall, London, Britain - October 15, 2025 Kotoeiho and Oshoumi before the first bout Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Sumo Wrestling - The Grand Sumo Tournament - Royal Albert Hall, London, Britain - October 15, 2025 Kotoeiho in action against Oshoumi during the first bout Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Overview

  • About 5,400 fans filled the venue for night one of the five-day tournament, which featured roughly 20 top-division bouts and wins for grand champions Onosato and Hoshoryu.
  • Organisers say this is the first official professional sumo event held outside Japan since the same hall hosted a basho in 1991.
  • A traditional clay dohyo was built with earth brought from Kettering and blessed in Shinto ceremonies, as the hall installed new 200kg-capacity chairs and reinforced toilets.
  • English-language commentary and guidance for newcomers were provided by NHK’s Hiro Morita, with live coverage available on BBC platforms, DAZN and Pluto TV.
  • Heavy catering demand included reports of a noodle shortage and roughly 70kg of rice consumed daily, with the showcase running through October 19.