Grand Sumo Tournament
Introduction
Step into a world of ancient rituals, extraordinary strength, and rich tradition as Sumo wrestling, one of the world's oldest sports, returns to the Royal Albert Hall. For five days, the Hall will transform into a temple of Sumo, complete with an authentic soil and sand dohyō and a roof reminiscent of a Shinto shrine.
Askonas Holt is honoured to once again be bringing this unforgettable event to the UK in partnership with the Royal Albert Hall. The collaboration follows the 1991 basho which saw the first official Sumo tournament to be staged outside of Japan in the 1,500-year history of the sport. Organised by Martin Campbell-White, the event was part of the Japan Festival which was co-managed by Harold Holt Ltd, which would later become Askonas Holt.
In October 2025, over 40 of Japan's elite makuuchi rikishi (wrestlers) will travel to London to compete at the Royal Albert Hall, bringing with them the 1,500-year legacy of Sumo. Each match promises to be a captivating spectacle, combining explosive athleticism with ceremonial splendour. From the vibrant, hand-embroidered silk keshomawashi robes to the ancient salt-throwing rituals, every element is steeped in history and culture.
Witness the battle of power, balance and strength as these great athletes showcase techniques honed over centuries. Who will prevail against the champion Yokozuna? Which of the 82 winning moves will be used? No one knows how the tournament will unfold, but every step, bow, and clash is a rare opportunity to experience one of the most extraordinary spectacles in sport.
Visit www.royalalberthall.com to sign up to receive notifications when tickets go on sale.
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Askonas Holt and the Royal Albert Hall announce Grand Sumo Tournament
Askonas Holt and the Royal Albert Hall are honoured to announce the return of Sumo for the first time in over three decades.
The Grand Sumo Tournament will take place at the Royal Albert Hall from 15–19 October 2025, 34 years after the 1991 basho, which saw the first official Sumo tournament to be staged outside of Japan in the 1,500-year history of the sport. Organised by Martin Campbell-White, the event was part of the Japan Festival which was co-managed by Harold Holt Ltd - which would later become Askonas Holt. The tournament was broadcast live to millions across the UK and was witnessed in person by sold-out crowds.
The 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament promises to be an unforgettable showcase of Sumo’s athleticism and tradition, with the top-ranked rikishi from Makuuchi, Japan’s top level Sumo division, competing in front of a live audience across five days to win the coveted title of Grand Champion.
With origins dating back more than 1,500 years, the tournament will not only portray the skill of Japan’s most elite rikishi, but also the sacred traditions of the deeply ritualistic sport. With each match beginning with a series of historic symbolic acts representing the sport’s core values – respect, honour and perseverance – the tournament promises to give audience members an insight into the culture and historic customs of Japan and Sumo.
I feel great joy and a strong sense of responsibility to be able to take part in the London Grand Sumo Tournament once again as chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, which I participated in as an active Yokozuna 34 years ago. I will be making every effort to convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo, an ancient traditional Japanese culture, and to ensure that everyone enjoys the event to their heart's content. I look forward to meeting many of you there.
Hakkaku Rijicho, Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association & winner of the 1991 basho
Tickets for this historic event go on sale in early 2025. Visit www.royalalberthall.com to sign up to be notified when ticket sales are announced.
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