The Biggest Sumo Wrestlers of All-Time
The 8 Biggest Sumo Wrestlers Ever!
Sumo wrestling is an ancient sport in Japan with immense historical and cultural significance.
This sport is an intense physical competition, but the Japanese consider it an integral part of their culture.
It showcases tradition, discipline and respect- and many sumo wrestlers weigh over 500 pounds.
But who are the biggest sumo wrestlers of all-time?!
Sumo wrestler Orora Satoshi
Sumo wrestlers make substantial efforts to streamline their training, discipline and athletic abilities.
The heaviest sumo wrestlers, also called Rikishi, are famous for their rigorous training routine, strict diets and adherence to traditional sports customs.
Japan has over 650 professional sumo wrestlers who compete in six tournaments, or Basho.
This article will discuss the biggest sumo wrestlers of all-time based on their weight, height and important achievements.
1. Orora Satoshi: 294 Kg / 648 pounds
Orora Satoshi is one of the biggest sumo wrestlers of all-time, famous for his immense size and athleticism in the ring.
Satoshi's height is 6 feet 3 inches, and he weighs 294 kilograms or 648 pounds, making him the most formidable wrestler in the ring.
Satoshi has made several achievements throughout his career, including the rank of Juryo in 2005.
He had a successful career in lower divisions, winning various championships and prizes, including:
Jonokuchi Championship
Gino-sho
Kanto-sho
2. Konishiki Yasokichi: 272 kg / 600 pounds
Konishiki Yasokichi, also called "the Dump Truck," was a professional sumo wrestler from Hawaii in the US.
Yasokichi moved to Japan to compete in professional sumo tournaments during the 80s and 90s.
Sumo fans worldwide recognised Yasokichi as the most outstanding sumo wrestler thanks to his impressive size, strength and athletic abilities in the ring.
Yasokichi was 6’1” and weighed over 600 pounds, making him one of the biggest sumo wrestlers of all-time.
While Yasokichi was among the heaviest sumo wrestlers, he had remarkable athletic skills that allowed him to move quickly and efficiently on the dohyo.
In addition, Yasokichi started his career in 1982 at 18 and made substantial efforts to rise through the ranks.
Yasokichi achieved the rank of Sekiwake in 1987 and Yokozuna in 1992. Bear in mind that Yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo wrestling.
Yasokichi was the first American-born wrestler to achieve the Yokozuna rank, making him the most famous sumo wrestler worldwide.
Many people believe that Yasokichi is the reason behind the popularity of sumo wrestling in the Western hemisphere.
3. Yamamotoyama Ryuta: 272 Kg / 600 Pounds
Yamamotoyama Ryuta is a professional Japanese sumo wrestler who has won several championships and prizes.
Ryuta was born on May 8, 1984. He is 6’4” and over 600 pounds, making him one of the heaviest sumo wrestlers of all-time.
Ryuta started his sumo career in 2004 and reached the Juryo division in ranks.
In May 2007, Ryuta achieved promotion to the top division, Makuuchi, and he gained popularity for his unique personality, heavyweight and professionalism in the ring.
While Yamamotoyama Ryuta was one of the most talented sumo wrestlers to win several local, national and World Sumo championships, the Japanese Sumo Association forced him to retire in April 2011.
The Association investigated and substantiated Ryuta's involvement in match-fixing.
4. Kenho Mitsuo: 249 Kg / 550 Pounds
Kenho Mitsuo is a professional sumo wrestler from Japan. Born February 10, 1989, Mitsuo debuted in May 2011 and significantly contributed to the sport of sumo wrestling.
Mitsuo wrestles for Tokitsukaze stable, and he achieved rank makushita 59 in 2023.
Mitsuo stands at 5’11” and weighs 550 pounds or 250 kilograms, making him one of the biggest sumo wrestlers ever.
Mitsuo stands out from other sumo wrestlers due to his innovative grappling, pushing and thrusting skills.
Mitsuo's sumo career record spans 71 Basho, where he participated in various divisions.
His record shows 204 wins, 192 losses and 80 draws.
Moreover, Mitsuo's first experience in the Makushita division was challenging, as he only managed to win one match out of seven, resulting in a record of 1-6/7 for that Basho.
However, he improved significantly in the Sandanme division, achieving a record of 61 wins and 17 draws.
Fans love Mitsuo for his aggressive and forceful fighting style, particularly the pushing and thrusting techniques.
5. Tominohana: 241 Kg / 532 Pounds
Tominohana was a Taiwanese sumo wrestler born on April 13, 1972, known for his professionalism, athleticism, discipline and unique pushing and thrusting techniques in the ring.
Tominohana was 6’1” and 532 pounds during his peak time in professional sumo wrestling.
In addition, this highly talented sumo wrestler had a short career between 1987 and 1992, but most sumo enthusiasts loved his yotsu-sumo style wrestling.
It emphasises grappling techniques over pushing and thrusting. Tominohana's preferred move, the yorikiri or force-out, allowed him to win over half of his bouts.
With an impressive record, Tominohana's yotsu-sumo technique and proficiency in the ring have earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent.
6. Susanoumi Yoshitaka: 240 Kg / 530 Pound
Susanoumi Yoshitaka is a former sumo wrestler from Japan.
Yoshitaka started his career in professional sumo wrestling in 1988 and reached the Juryo division in 1993.
Yoshitaka achieved one of the highest ranks in sumo wrestling, "the Juryo 2.”
He struggled in the first year of his career, with no significant success. However, he didn't give up on improving his skill set, which allowed him to win all seven matches in September 1989.
Yoshitaka was promoted to Sandanme in November 1989 and he made further improvements to achieve makushita ranks.
Similarly, his fighting style focused on speed, agility, precision, footwork and quick movements, making him one of the most fearsome Rikishi.
Yoshitaka's 530-pound weight, pushing and thrusting moves, and ability to force his opponents out of the ring allowed him to win Makushita Yusho two years in a row in 1996 and 1997.
7. Musashimaru Koyo: 235 Kg / 518 Lbs
Musashimaru Koyo was a professional sumo wrestler from the United States who competed in Japan's highest division of sumo wrestling, and he was one of the biggest sumo wrestlers of all-time.
Born in Hawaii, Koyo was known for his large size and powerful physique, which helped him achieve a successful career in sumo wrestling.
Koyo began his professional sumo career in 1989, competing in the lower divisions of the sport.
He worked his way up to the highest division, where he became a dominant force.
Throughout his career, Koyo won 12 tournament championships, or Yusho, and he was promoted to Yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo wrestling.
Koyo's success in the ring was due to his powerful tachiai, which allowed him to gain the upper hand in matches.
Moreover, Koyos was famous for his quick reflexes and technical skill, enabling him to execute complex moves precisely and efficiently.
So, this was Koyo's secret to success in professional sumo wrestling!
8. Akebono Taro: 233 Kg / 514 Pounds
Akebono Taro, or Chadwick Haheo Rowan, was a big sumo wrestler from Hawaii who succeeded in sumo wrestling in Japan.
Taro was born in 1969 and began his sumo career in the late 1980s, competing in the lower divisions before working up to the top division.
In addition, he won an impressive eleven tournaments or championships, as well as many other awards during his career, thanks to his powerful physique and ability to overpower his opponents with sheer force.
Taro was one of the most famous sumo wrestlers in the world, standing at 6’8”. He weighed more than 500 pounds.
Moreover, he mastered the art of oshidashi, allowing him to push his opponents with both hands.
Taro followed a dynamic approach to sumo wrestling and streamlined reflexes, strength, assertiveness and precision.
This allowed him to get a promotion to Yokozuna in 1993. This is the highest rank in sumo.
Sumo: Those are some big dudes
Sumo wrestling has become popular worldwide due to its unique cultural heritage, fascinating history and dynamic competition style. As Japan’s most popular sport, Sumo has a special place in the heart of the Japansese people, and the wrestlers are national icons.
One of the most iconic aspects of sumo wrestling is the physical size and strength of the wrestlers, with many big sumo wrestlers competing across the years,
The success of non-Japanese wrestlers has also fueled the sport's worldwide success.
Sumo wrestlers have millions of fans all over the world, and thanks to the breakdown of barriers, sumo wrestlers from Japan and other countries have gained a wider international audience.
