Aonishiki Is ONE Tournament From Becoming the First European Yokozuna

Aonishiki is closer to sumo’s highest rank than any European wrestler has ever been, and the Kyushu Basho 2026 could decide whether he becomes the first European yokozuna. This video looks at where the Ukrainian sumo wrestler stands after September and what he needs in November. We revisit the Nagoya yusho that won back his ozeki rank, his three-bout losing streak at the Aki Basho 2026, and the eight-win run that set up a final-day showdown with Yokozuna Onosato. We break down Aonishiki vs Onosato head to head, the injuries he fought through, and why the Judging Department said an 11-4 runner-up finish may not count toward yokozuna promotion. We also follow Danylo Yavhusishyn’s path from Vinnytsia to Ajigawa stable. No European has gone past ozeki, and Kotooshu and Baruto came closest, so a 76th yokozuna from Ukraine would rewrite grand sumo history. On SumoSpirit, we stick to what the record and the rules actually say, so you know exactly what’s at stake before the November basho begins. If you’ll be watching Fukuoka to see whether Aonishiki finally earns the rope, like this video and subscribe for our full Kyushu coverage.