Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danilo Aonishiki Yavgushishin has achieved the rank of ozeki after his victory at the Kyushu 2025 tournament. The Japan Sumo Association officially confirmed his promotion during a meeting in Tokyo, followed by a ceremony in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. According to Kyodonews.net, details were added by Sponichi.co.jp.
His promotion to ozeki after just 14 tournaments surpasses the previous record of 19 held by Bulgarian wrestler Kotooshu. This accomplishment is significant in sumo history, as Aonishiki debuted in the lowest division, jonokuchi, in 1958.
He has already participated in five major tournaments in makuuchi, where he consistently won at least 11 matches in each.
"I aim for an even higher rank. I am confident in my abilities, but I need to improve in all areas. The highest ranks in sumo are yokozuna and ozeki. I will strive hard, feeling a great responsibility," Aonishiki stated.
He is only the fourth European to achieve the ozeki rank, following Kotooshu, Baruto, and Tochinoshin. None of them reached the yokozuna title.
The title of yokozuna was first awarded in 1789, and throughout history, only 75 wrestlers have achieved it. Among them are two from the USA and six from Mongolia, while the rest are Japanese.

Sumo Ranks:

• Maegashiri – earn approximately ~$12,500.
• Komusubi – have certain privileges, ~$16,000, access to titles and opportunities after their career.
• Sekiwake – the “stairs” to ozeki; must consistently achieve 10+ wins in tournaments.
• Ozeki – ~$22,000, membership in the association after retirement, substantial payouts, and ceremonial roles. Typically requires 33 wins over 3 tournaments for promotion. If an ozeki receives make koshi (7-8 or worse), they have a chance to recover in the next tournament.
• Yokozuna – the highest rank, only 75 sumo wrestlers in history have achieved it. This usually occurs after two consecutive yusho at the level of ozeki. Yokozuna are not demoted; if they have prolonged poor results, they retire. Currently, there are two yokozuna – Hoshoryu and Onosato.

Sumo wrestlers, even those not from Japan, choose a name for their performances. Danilo chose the ring name Aonishiki Arata, which translates to "Blue Brocade." This metaphor signifies a young yet bright talent or noble strength in a youthful body.