The Most Famous Sumo Wrestler, Ranked

Choose the wrestler you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 07:16
Sumo wrestling, an ancient sport steeped in tradition, has seen countless wrestlers rise to fame, each bringing their unique style and charisma to the ring. Understanding who ranks at the top not only offers insights into the sport but also ignites discussions amongst fans about the qualities that define the greatest sumo wrestlers. This list serves as a dynamic census of popularity and achievement, shaped directly by your votes. By participating, you help paint a clearer picture of who truly captures the heart of sumo enthusiasts around the world, adding your voice to a global conversation about this compelling sport.

Who Is the Most Famous Sumo Wrestler?

  1. 1
    82
    votes
    Hakuho Sho
    Eckhard Pecher (Arcimboldo) · CC BY 2.5
    Considered the greatest Sumo wrestler of all time with the most tournament wins in history.
    Hakuho Sho in other rankings
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    Second most tournament wins in history and one of the most dominant wrestlers of all time.
  3. 3
    9
    votes
    Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
    Route246 · CC BY 3.0
    Known as the "God of Sumo" and one of the most skilled wrestlers in history.
  4. 4
    26
    votes
    Asashoryu Akinori
    Arcimboldo / Eckhard Pecher · CC BY 3.0
    Another dominant wrestler with multiple tournament wins and a controversial figure in the sport.
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Takanohana Koji
    FourTildes · CC BY-SA 3.0
    One of the most popular and successful wrestlers of the 90s, winning multiple championships.
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Musashimaru Koyo
    Nesnad · CC BY-SA 4.0
    A Hawaiian-born wrestler who became the first foreign-born Yokozuna in history.
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    Futabayama Sadaji
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    A legendary wrestler from the 1930s who won 12 championships in a row, a record that still stands today.
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    Kitanoumi Toshimitsu
    Ogiyoshisan · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A skilled wrestler who won multiple championships and later became a prominent figure in the Sumo Association.
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Another foreign-born wrestler who became a Yokozuna and helped popularize Sumo in the United States.
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    A Hawaiian-born wrestler who was one of the largest and most powerful Sumo wrestlers in history.

Missing your favorite wrestler?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for famous wrestler

  1. Achievement
    Consider the wrestler's accomplishments such as championship wins, undefeated streaks, or records set. The number of top division titles won (Yokozuna) holds high importance.
  2. Longevity
    Assess how long the wrestler has been active in the sport. The longer a wrestler's career, the more opportunities they have had to make a name for themselves and build a fan base.
  3. Visibility
    Consider the wrestler's visibility and presence in media, both within and outside of Japan. Appearances in promotional events, TV shows, commercials, or international exposure contribute to their fame.
  4. Popularity
    Evaluate the wrestler's popularity among fans and the general public. This can be measured by fan support, social media presence, merchandise sales, and the ability to attract audiences to tournaments or events.
  5. Cultural Impact
    Assess the wrestler's impact on Sumo as a cultural phenomenon. Consider how they have contributed to the sport's popularity, whether through unique skills, dramatic matches, or memorable moments.
  6. Character and Personality
    Take into consideration the wrestler's charisma, likability, and public image. A wrestler who connects with fans, portrays a strong character, or builds a unique persona can significantly impact their fame.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Sumo wrestler. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or wrestler is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2779 views
  • 186 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each wrestler once every 24 hours. The rank of each wrestler is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous sumo wrestler

Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese sport that has been around for centuries. It is a unique form of wrestling that involves two wrestlers trying to push each other out of a circular ring or force their opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet. Sumo wrestlers, also known as Rikishi, are revered in Japanese culture and are believed to possess great strength, discipline, and honor. They follow a strict training regimen and adhere to a specific diet to maintain their massive physiques. Over the years, there have been many great Sumo wrestlers, but only a select few have managed to achieve worldwide fame. These wrestlers have not only dominated the sport but have also become cultural icons in their own right, inspiring films, books, and even video games. From the legendary Yokozuna, or Grand Champion, Taiho to the current reigning Yokozuna, Hakuho, the world of Sumo wrestling is filled with fascinating personalities and incredible athleticism. So, who is the most famous Sumo wrestler of all time? Let's take a closer look at some of the greatest Sumo wrestlers in history and see if we can answer that question.

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