Final Yusho Standings
Sekiwake East Kirishima dominated the 2026 Haru Basho from mid-tournament onward, clinching the Emperor's Cup on Day 14 with a 12–2 record — his third career yusho.
| Place | Wrestler | Rank | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yusho (Champion) | Kirishima | Sekiwake East | 12–2 |
| Jun-Yusho (Runner-up) | Hoshoryu | Yokozuna East | 11–4 |
| Jun-Yusho (Runner-up) | Kotoshoho | Maegashira #5 West | 11–4 |
Championship Recap
Kirishima's path to the Emperor's Cup was built on consistency rather than a single dramatic run. By Day 13 he was just one win away from clinching, already holding a commanding lead over the field.
The title was mathematically secured on Day 14 when Yokozuna Hoshoryu fell to Kotozakura, eliminating any realistic chance of being caught. Kirishima himself lost to Aonishiki that same day, but it no longer mattered — no other wrestler could match his lead going into the final day.
Hoshoryu and Kotoshoho both won on the final day (Senshuraku) to share the runner-up honours at 11–4, with Kotoshoho's surge from mid-ranked Maegashira making him one of the surprise stories of the basho.
Kirishima's Ozeki Promotion
The 12 wins pushed Kirishima's three-tournament running total to 34 wins — above the informal 33-win threshold for Ozeki promotion. Combined with the yusho, his promotion was widely expected to be confirmed shortly after the tournament.
Remarkably, Kirishima is the first wrestler in 89 years — since the legendary Futabayama in 1937 — to win consecutive yusho as a newly-promoted Sekiwake and then a newly-promoted Ozeki. He had previously held the Ozeki rank before a demotion, making the comeback story all the more compelling.
Watch: Kirishima Clinches the Yusho
Top Division Final Records
How the upper ranks finished across the 15-day tournament:
| Wrestler | Rank | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirishima | Sekiwake East | 12–2 | Yusho winner; Ozeki promotion expected |
| Hoshoryu | Yokozuna East | 11–4 | Jun-Yusho; strong runner-up finish |
| Kotoshoho | Maegashira #5 West | 11–4 | Jun-Yusho; tournament's biggest surprise |
| Kotozakura | Ozeki West | 10–5 | Solid kachi-koshi (winning record) |
| Aonishiki | Ozeki East | 7–8 | Make-koshi; faces Ozeki demotion |
| Onosato | Yokozuna West | 0–4–11 | Withdrew on Day 5; did not compete |
Key Storylines
Onosato Withdraws
Yokozuna Onosato had a disastrous basho, withdrawing after going 0–4 and accumulating 11 absences. A major blow to the top of the banzuke and a disappointment for fans who had expected a two-Yokozuna title race.
Kotoshoho's Surge
The tournament's biggest upset story. Maegashira #5 West Kotoshoho surged to 8–1 through Day 9 and held on to finish 11–4, sharing the Jun-Yusho. His run challenged the elite ranks from well below the sanyaku.
Fujiseiun's Debut
Fujiseiun shone on his top-division debut, racking up 9 wins through Day 13. The newcomer's performance drew widespread attention and signals a wrestler to watch in future basho.
Aonishiki's Make-Koshi
The Ukrainian-born Ozeki Aonishiki — who won the Hatsu Basho yusho just two months prior — posted a 7–8 losing record, meaning he faces demotion from Ozeki rank. A sharp reversal of fortune for the January champion.
Experience Sumo in Osaka Year-Round
The 2026 Haru Basho is over — but Osaka's sumo scene runs every day of the year. Live shows with retired professionals, audience ring challenges, and chanko nabe hot pot. No tournament ticket needed.
Book a Live Sumo Experience →Related Guides
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