The ancient and revered battleground of the sumo ring has, for centuries, been home to some of the greatest warriors in history. Sumo wrestling, a Japanese form of full-contact grappling, is deeply rooted in tradition and has a rich cultural legacy. These imposing fighters, clad in nothing more than a mawashi (a special belt or loincloth used in sumo), have captivated audiences for generations with their brute strength, agile technique, and unwavering determination.
In this article, we rank the ten greatest sumo wrestlers of all time. But before we begin, it’s important to understand a few terms. In sumo, there are several ranks, with Yokozuna being the highest, followed by Ōzeki. The term yūshō refers to a tournament championship.
10. Konishiki Yasokichi
Konishiki “Dump Truck” Yasokichi was the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach the rank of Ōzeki. This heavyweight from Hawaii tipped the scales at 287 kg at his heaviest—a record until 2017—and combined that mass with remarkable speed and agility. He claimed a total of three championships in the top division (yūshō).
9. Inazuma Raigorō
Inazuma Raigorō, whose shikona literally means “lightning bolt,” was the 7th Yokozuna in the 19th century. With a top division record of around 130 wins and only 13 losses (a winning percentage of 90.9%) and an unofficial total of 10 yūshō, he was both an irresistible force and immovable presence in his era.
8. Wajima Hiroshi
Wajima Hiroshi, the 54th Yokozuna and the only one with a university background, brought a unique mix of strength and technique to the ring. He captured 14 yūshō and was famous for his hidari-yotsu grip (right hand outside, left hand inside), using his “golden left arm” to topple opponents.
7. Musashimaru Kōyō
Musashimaru Kōyō, a Hawaiian giant and the 61st Yokozuna, weighed around 235 kg and turned his size into a weapon. With 12 yūshō in the top division, he proved that sheer power and bulk can still be decisive in sumo.
6. Tanikaze Kajinosuke
Tanikaze Kajinosuke, officially recognized as the 4th Yokozuna, was the first giant of the 18th century to bring professionalism to the sport. Formal championships didn’t yet exist, but he is unofficially credited with 21 yūshō and laid the groundwork for future stars.
5. Asashōryū Akinori
Asashōryū Akinori, the 68th Yokozuna from Mongolia, was known for his aggressive, fiery style. He captured 25 yūshō and dominated the sport in the early 2000s, celebrated for his talent but also criticized for his sometimes controversial behavior.
4. Harumafuji Kōhei
Harumafuji Kōhei, the 70th Yokozuna and also from Mongolia, was technically brilliant and surprisingly fast for his size. With 9 yūshō, he showed that agility and technique can succeed even at the sport’s highest level.
3. Taihō Kōki
Taihō Kōki, the 48th Yokozuna, is often seen as the embodiment of perfection in sumo. He won a record 32 yūshō during the 1960s and 70s—a feat that remained unmatched until 2014.
2. Kitanoumi Toshimitsu
Kitanoumi Toshimitsu, the 55th Yokozuna, dominated the 1970s with raw power and unbreakable will. He won 24 yūshō and became a living legend in the dohyō.
1. Hakuhō Shō
Hakuhō Shō, the 69th Yokozuna from Mongolia, is widely regarded as the greatest sumo wrestler of all time. He shattered nearly every record, claiming an astonishing 45 yūshō and countless best-of records in consecutive wins. His combination of strength, technique, and strategic genius made him virtually unbeatable.
