Kotoshoho Claims First Championship at Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Kotoshoho secured his maiden championship victory on July 27 at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. The tournament, held at IG Arena, saw Kotoshoho defeat Aonishiki to claim the title.

The 25-year-old wrestler, born in Chiba Prefecture and whose real name is Toshiki Tebakari, achieved this feat on the final day. He finished with a strong 13-2 record, securing the Emperor’s Cup.

This victory marks the first time a maegashira wrestler has won a makuuchi division tournament since Takerufuji's win in the spring tournament of the previous year. Kotoshoho, ranked as a maegashira No. 15, had a remarkable run, defeating several higher-ranked opponents, including yokozuna, sekiwake, and komusubi. He notably overcame newly appointed yokozuna Onosato during the tournament.

Utilizing his preferred migi-yotsu and yori techniques, the 190-centimeter, 167-kilogram wrestler dominated his opponents throughout the 15-day competition. Kotoshoho began his professional career in the November 2017 Kyushu tournament while still in high school, and entered the top division in July 2020.

Adding to the family's achievements, Kotoshoho's younger brother, Kotoeiho, also made his top-division debut at the same tournament. The brothers, both from the Sadogatake stable, became the 13th pair of siblings to compete together in the makuuchi division.