Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danilo Aonishiki Yavgusishin has been promoted to the rank of ozeki after his victory at the Kyushu 2025 tournament. The Japan Sumo Association officially confirmed Aonishiki's promotion during a meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday morning, followed by a ceremonial elevation in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. According to Kyodonews.net, details were reported by Sponichi.co.jp.
His promotion to ozeki after just 14 tournaments surpasses the previous record of 19 competitions set by Bulgarian wrestler Kotooshu, the fastest to debut in the lowest of the six divisions of professional sumo, jonokuchi, since the current six-tournament schedule was adopted in 1958.
For the Ukrainian sumo wrestler, this was only his fifth grand tournament in makuuchi (the highest division of sumo). He has shown impressive consistency, winning at least 11 matches in each of his five tournaments in makuuchi.
"There is another higher rank, so I would like to strive for it. I am confident in myself, but I need to improve in all areas. The highest ranks in sumo are yokozuna and ozeki. I will do my best, feeling a great responsibility," said Aonishiki.
Overall, he has become only the fourth European to achieve the rank of ozeki. Previously, Kotooshu (Kaloian Mahlyanov, Bulgaria), Baruto (Kaljdo Hevelson, Estonia), and Tochinoshin (Levan Gorgadze, Georgia) managed to do so. None of them reached the rank of yokozuna.
The title of yokozuna has been awarded since 1789. Throughout history, only 75 wrestlers have achieved this rank. Two representatives from the USA (both from Hawaii) and six Mongolians have become yokozuna. All others have been Japanese.
Ranks in sumo:
- Maegashiri - ~$12,500.
- Komusubi - ~$16,000, with special privileges.
- Sekiwake - the "ladder" to ozeki; must consistently achieve 10+ wins.
- Ozeki - ~$22,000, lifetime association membership, substantial payout.
- Yokozuna - the highest rank, achieved by only 75 wrestlers in history.
Even non-Japanese wrestlers choose a name to perform under. Danilo adopted the nickname Aonishiki Arata, meaning "Blue Brocade," a metaphor representing youthful talent and noble strength.
