Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki Arata (Danylo Yavhusyshyn) captured his third Emperor's Cup after winning the Nagoya Basho, the fourth Grand Sumo Tournament of 2026.
The 22-year-old, who was born in Vinnytsia, finished the 15-day tournament with a 12-3 record before defeating Mongolian wrestler Kirishima and Japan's Atamifuji in the playoff to claim the championship.
The victory came despite Aonishiki competing with leg injuries throughout the tournament.
By winning the title, the Ukrainian also regained the rank of ōzeki, the second-highest rank in professional sumo, below only yokozuna.
Yavhusyshyn moved to Germany with his family after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 before continuing his sumo career in Japan. His latest triumph adds to the Emperor's Cups he won in November 2025 and January 2026.
The victory puts Aonishiki a step closer to becoming the first European-born yokozuna in history. To earn sumo's highest rank, he must win two consecutive tournaments while competing as an ōzeki.
The next Grand Sumo Tournament, the Aki Basho, is scheduled to take place from Sept. 13 to 27 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
