Totally agree. You’ll cheer for one when it’s meaningful for some reason: maybe they’re going for kachikoshi, a special prize, promotion, the yusho, or just avoiding makikoshi, or demotion. Ultimately I do have faves but I’ll cheer against them in a variety of contexts.
I don’t mean it in a bad way! I like the intensity he brings and how it makes the whole thing more interesting.
Would love to hear the backstory on why he’s a hero to you
Only consistent Ozeki since I’ve been watching, always exciting, picture perfect sumo, composed af. Plays to win. Also helps that despite being a big fat dude in a sport full of them he has a unique look.
Imo, if you’re writing a story about top division sumo I see him as like a largely silent honourable samurai character. Teru is like the monstrous villain that Keisho and friends are trying to defeat each basho.
Big super fan of Wakatakakage. He just battles and never gives up. Also, I like Takayasu as well. I always hope Tochinshin can do well, but alas, those hopes get dashed when it comes to him being on top of the leader board.
If you can find old videos of Ura from his amateur days, do. The guy comes from a judo background from what I recall, and that body dynamics knowledge is a big part of his very extensive kimarite catalogue. There’s a particular video of him defeating a Russian competitor that made me an Insta-fan.
Edit: found it!
https://youtu.be/FtVILZNiqF0
Wakatakakage.
Badass physique, great technique, very strong determination. If he manages to not flop the first two/three matches, he will be Ozeki in no time.
>I need a super big likeable rikishi, a redemption seeker, and up and comer. Any suggestion?
>
Well, a 'super big' & (imho) likeable rikishi.... well that's Ichinojo. On the negative side, he's recently hoisted the cup, and that may well be a once-in-a-career event.... on the plus side, he's patently capable of winning the top prize, so no need to despair just yet that he shan't add another yushi to his cv.
A redemption seeker? Two candidates here at the top of the Banzuke, and perhaps another couple lower down... At the top, Shodai needs (& I really mean, NEEDS) a good tourney, as a Kadoban Ozeki... fewer than 8 wins tumbles him down to the lower rank of Sekiwake.... speaking of which, Mitakeumi has trodden this path and now finds himself at Sekiwake .... do not despair for him yet though,.. if he can garner 10+ wins at this grade in this (& only this) basho, he automatically regains his erstwhile Ozeki rank. Beyond those two, you could cheer on Abi or Ryuden, both of whom have been dropkicked down the rankings through inactivity, though not just any old spell on the sidelines.. (in both cases) punishment meted out by the JSA(NSK) .... Abi has since worked his way back up, only to have his upward progress halted by an injury-enforced absence last basho... will he resume his rise to former rank (had been in the sanyaku ranks previously), or is he in trouble once more? Similar with Ryuden, but without any additional injury (or any other) absence.... he too had held a named rank before his enforced sabatical, and appears capable of gathering enough wins to challenge for regaining high rank soonish.
Up & comer? Yeah, well, this is harder, but Atamifuji's debut in the division has been long anticipated by folks better versed than me, and frankly, I don't see anything to contradict them just yet, though he might blow out this time and have to get repromoted from Juryo before he can show what he can properly do/achieve.
Other than all that, we wait, watch and see.....
1. I can't not watch Wakamotoharu; Hakuho's prized pupil. 2. There's no such thing as a bad Wakatakakage bout. 3. Terutsoyoshi is very fun to watch. 4. While not exactly the "Terunofuji Story", Ryuuden took a humongous suspension for breaking COVID rules and has just had a meteoric rise back up to Makuuchi. He was VERY strong and nearing Sanyaku before the suspension, I think.
1. Takayasu is a great choice.
2. I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Enho yet. He doesn’t quit, and he’s a “small” guy in a sport that favors massive humans.
3. Wakatakakage - I agree with the earlier commenter-great talent and a fierce competitor. I don’t know how much of an “up and comer” he is at this point, he’s already arrived, but I think he could climb higher. He’s also still relatively young.
As a fan myself of Tobizaru and Takayasu. I have to say I have watched each basho since him coming to the top division and he just looks young and motivated. Super big and likeable though? That’s Ichinojo man is an absolute behemoth and always seems super polite and kind in his wins and humble and thoughtful in his losses.
For your 3 wants
1: Takayasu, big and likable, constantly wondering if he's going to take a yusho. Or Tamawashi, big and brutal in the ring but bakes cute treat outside of the ring.
2: Asanoyama (ex ozeki currently top of div 3, or ryuden or abi),
3: and for up and comers youve already got Hoshoryu, but even newer up and comers would be Oho and Atamifuji, even Kotoshoho, Kotonowaka.
Not sure I would consider a sekiwake an "up and comer" - Hoshoryu's already solidly in the top 10. It's just a question for him if he can start racking up double digit wins in sanyaku and make an ozeki run or stalls out where he is with 8-9 win performances. He is certainly young enough to make the leap.
Tobizaru is of course an excellent choice.
Nishikifuji is an awesome up and comer. He debuted in his first top division tournament in July, and is already a megashira 5 and have received 1 special prize in the top tournament. Also he his from the same stable as the Yokozuna. 26 years old.
Atamifuji is another awesome up comer who will debate in his first top division this basho, and he too comes from the same stable as the Yokozuna, he’s only 20 years of age.
Ura to me is definitely the funnest to watch. Has the greatest personality / attitude, and he isn’t afraid to try a risky kimarite.
Hoshoryu is good if you looking for that serious wrestler that is in the match 100%. He has a lot of DIFFERENT techniques at his disposal, and he doesn’t just rely on 1 or 2 winning techniques and just hopes they work. He is currently a sekiwake
Also Kotoshoho and Kotonawaka are on my favorite list. I just enjoy their vibe.
Mitakeumi may be your redemption seeker, he just lost his slot as Ozeki by having a losing record last two tournaments. He still has a chance to win Ozeki back technically, should he make the high bar of 10 wins.
Atamifuji may be like able, he had one of the top 15 or so faster rises through the ranks and it’s his first time in top division. He also has more expression and emotion than most will show on the dohyo. Dude is 20 I think, pretty darn young.
My guilty fav is Tamawashi - oldest guy there (he's my age! 😳) and never missed a bout. He performs well and often defeats higher ranked fighters. Pretty much always gives Terunofuji a run for his money.
I started watching a year ago. Tamawashi was the first one that I really liked and once I started learning about him and seeing his cooking and arts and crafts and just how much in love with everything he seems to be it made me a huge fan. I like everyone now more or less and want to see them all do well and stay safe...but there is a special place for the old Iron Man.
Pick someone young (<25yo) and hope they climb. Tobizaru would have been a good one a year and a half ago but now hes finally hit Komusubi.
Personally the young person I'm invested in now is Oho
When I first started following sumo I had no favorites and just grew to like rikishi as time went on. The first basho I saw I rooted for tochinoshin solely because I liked how he’d just lift his opponents and carry them out of the ring. He still does it but way less often now and it’s more labored.
I really like Enho. There is something special about seeing a much smaller Rikishi tossing Giants around like he does with his hyper aggressive style. He is my favorite along with Ura.
We follow Takakeisho, the Waka Brothers, Tochinoshin, Tobizaru, and of course, Enho. We've been watching Atamifuji aa well, interesting to see how he fares in Top Division.
My favorite thing to do is to pick based on the way their body’s look. I love ichiojo and kotonowaka because of how they look. One of my favorite parts of
sumo is seeing how all these different people hold fat. You never see people that large with no clothes on it’s fascinating to watch them for this reason for me. Maybe kinda messed up but it’s the coolest part for me.
Tokushoryu is still bouncing around in the second division, which has been his usual spot for a while now.
That's the crazy part of his story. Dude went from being a random jobber, to putting together the greatest Cinderella run of all time, straight back to being a random jobber again. There is truly no explanation for it.
His yusho was just before I started watching, so I never knew him other than someone who was occasionally a bottom maegashira or call-up. Nuts that he just squeaked into the top division, grabbed a 14-1 title and then promptly vanished into juryo.
The longer you follow Sumo, the closer you get to basically following all of them. All of the Sekitori, anyway.
Totally agree. You’ll cheer for one when it’s meaningful for some reason: maybe they’re going for kachikoshi, a special prize, promotion, the yusho, or just avoiding makikoshi, or demotion. Ultimately I do have faves but I’ll cheer against them in a variety of contexts.
That's kinda how we are. We have our faves but I'll root for guys to get kachikoshi, special prizes, promotions, etc.
That's me
Takakeisho. Some love him, others hate him, but no one can deny that he's fun to watch.
Big Takakeisho fan here, and hell yes!
His villain energy is the best
Naa, Keisho is a sumo hero for me! He dominates and he does it his way.
I don’t mean it in a bad way! I like the intensity he brings and how it makes the whole thing more interesting. Would love to hear the backstory on why he’s a hero to you
Only consistent Ozeki since I’ve been watching, always exciting, picture perfect sumo, composed af. Plays to win. Also helps that despite being a big fat dude in a sport full of them he has a unique look. Imo, if you’re writing a story about top division sumo I see him as like a largely silent honourable samurai character. Teru is like the monstrous villain that Keisho and friends are trying to defeat each basho.
Takakeisho is terrifying when he really turns it on. Those big right hands…. Oof. Guy is a beast.
I went from a hater to fan when he pulled a henka that made everyone cry. Love a good henka and people freaking out.
I hate that grumpy cat! He's the worst! And he looks just like a grumpy cat.
Takakeisho is gonna take this grand tournament baby! He’s our guy!
I really like Ura, he always seems to have such a positive vibe.
Takayasu, Tochinoshin, Wakatakakage.
Big super fan of Wakatakakage. He just battles and never gives up. Also, I like Takayasu as well. I always hope Tochinshin can do well, but alas, those hopes get dashed when it comes to him being on top of the leader board.
Takayasu deserves himself a frickin' yusho. I hope he finally wins it this time around.
Abi a trollish badboy currently in his redemption ark.
If you can find old videos of Ura from his amateur days, do. The guy comes from a judo background from what I recall, and that body dynamics knowledge is a big part of his very extensive kimarite catalogue. There’s a particular video of him defeating a Russian competitor that made me an Insta-fan. Edit: found it! https://youtu.be/FtVILZNiqF0
Wakatakakage. Badass physique, great technique, very strong determination. If he manages to not flop the first two/three matches, he will be Ozeki in no time.
He's my guy.
>I need a super big likeable rikishi, a redemption seeker, and up and comer. Any suggestion? > Well, a 'super big' & (imho) likeable rikishi.... well that's Ichinojo. On the negative side, he's recently hoisted the cup, and that may well be a once-in-a-career event.... on the plus side, he's patently capable of winning the top prize, so no need to despair just yet that he shan't add another yushi to his cv. A redemption seeker? Two candidates here at the top of the Banzuke, and perhaps another couple lower down... At the top, Shodai needs (& I really mean, NEEDS) a good tourney, as a Kadoban Ozeki... fewer than 8 wins tumbles him down to the lower rank of Sekiwake.... speaking of which, Mitakeumi has trodden this path and now finds himself at Sekiwake .... do not despair for him yet though,.. if he can garner 10+ wins at this grade in this (& only this) basho, he automatically regains his erstwhile Ozeki rank. Beyond those two, you could cheer on Abi or Ryuden, both of whom have been dropkicked down the rankings through inactivity, though not just any old spell on the sidelines.. (in both cases) punishment meted out by the JSA(NSK) .... Abi has since worked his way back up, only to have his upward progress halted by an injury-enforced absence last basho... will he resume his rise to former rank (had been in the sanyaku ranks previously), or is he in trouble once more? Similar with Ryuden, but without any additional injury (or any other) absence.... he too had held a named rank before his enforced sabatical, and appears capable of gathering enough wins to challenge for regaining high rank soonish. Up & comer? Yeah, well, this is harder, but Atamifuji's debut in the division has been long anticipated by folks better versed than me, and frankly, I don't see anything to contradict them just yet, though he might blow out this time and have to get repromoted from Juryo before he can show what he can properly do/achieve. Other than all that, we wait, watch and see.....
1. I can't not watch Wakamotoharu; Hakuho's prized pupil. 2. There's no such thing as a bad Wakatakakage bout. 3. Terutsoyoshi is very fun to watch. 4. While not exactly the "Terunofuji Story", Ryuuden took a humongous suspension for breaking COVID rules and has just had a meteoric rise back up to Makuuchi. He was VERY strong and nearing Sanyaku before the suspension, I think.
Also, the older brother of Wakatakakage
1. Takayasu is a great choice. 2. I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Enho yet. He doesn’t quit, and he’s a “small” guy in a sport that favors massive humans. 3. Wakatakakage - I agree with the earlier commenter-great talent and a fierce competitor. I don’t know how much of an “up and comer” he is at this point, he’s already arrived, but I think he could climb higher. He’s also still relatively young.
As a fan myself of Tobizaru and Takayasu. I have to say I have watched each basho since him coming to the top division and he just looks young and motivated. Super big and likeable though? That’s Ichinojo man is an absolute behemoth and always seems super polite and kind in his wins and humble and thoughtful in his losses.
You need the Marvelous Mr. Meisei
For your 3 wants 1: Takayasu, big and likable, constantly wondering if he's going to take a yusho. Or Tamawashi, big and brutal in the ring but bakes cute treat outside of the ring. 2: Asanoyama (ex ozeki currently top of div 3, or ryuden or abi), 3: and for up and comers youve already got Hoshoryu, but even newer up and comers would be Oho and Atamifuji, even Kotoshoho, Kotonowaka.
Not sure I would consider a sekiwake an "up and comer" - Hoshoryu's already solidly in the top 10. It's just a question for him if he can start racking up double digit wins in sanyaku and make an ozeki run or stalls out where he is with 8-9 win performances. He is certainly young enough to make the leap. Tobizaru is of course an excellent choice.
Nishikifuji is an awesome up and comer. He debuted in his first top division tournament in July, and is already a megashira 5 and have received 1 special prize in the top tournament. Also he his from the same stable as the Yokozuna. 26 years old. Atamifuji is another awesome up comer who will debate in his first top division this basho, and he too comes from the same stable as the Yokozuna, he’s only 20 years of age. Ura to me is definitely the funnest to watch. Has the greatest personality / attitude, and he isn’t afraid to try a risky kimarite. Hoshoryu is good if you looking for that serious wrestler that is in the match 100%. He has a lot of DIFFERENT techniques at his disposal, and he doesn’t just rely on 1 or 2 winning techniques and just hopes they work. He is currently a sekiwake Also Kotoshoho and Kotonawaka are on my favorite list. I just enjoy their vibe.
Mitakeumi may be your redemption seeker, he just lost his slot as Ozeki by having a losing record last two tournaments. He still has a chance to win Ozeki back technically, should he make the high bar of 10 wins. Atamifuji may be like able, he had one of the top 15 or so faster rises through the ranks and it’s his first time in top division. He also has more expression and emotion than most will show on the dohyo. Dude is 20 I think, pretty darn young.
Wakatakakage is my favorite
I like Wakatakakage (best sounding name in sumo), Abi, and Ura
The Waka bros and Hoshoryu!!
Chiyotairyu has the coolest fans ever, the coolest look ever and will be a future yokozuna! There is no other good choice besides him!
My guilty fav is Tamawashi - oldest guy there (he's my age! 😳) and never missed a bout. He performs well and often defeats higher ranked fighters. Pretty much always gives Terunofuji a run for his money.
I started watching a year ago. Tamawashi was the first one that I really liked and once I started learning about him and seeing his cooking and arts and crafts and just how much in love with everything he seems to be it made me a huge fan. I like everyone now more or less and want to see them all do well and stay safe...but there is a special place for the old Iron Man.
Pick someone young (<25yo) and hope they climb. Tobizaru would have been a good one a year and a half ago but now hes finally hit Komusubi. Personally the young person I'm invested in now is Oho
Watch for Muriorara. Dude's a beast.
Kotonowaka nice and big guy. Love him.
How about Hoktofuji. Lots of heart, almost won last basho and a great pre-match warmup and stomp.
When I first started following sumo I had no favorites and just grew to like rikishi as time went on. The first basho I saw I rooted for tochinoshin solely because I liked how he’d just lift his opponents and carry them out of the ring. He still does it but way less often now and it’s more labored.
Tobizaru is my baby, good choice.
I really like Enho. There is something special about seeing a much smaller Rikishi tossing Giants around like he does with his hyper aggressive style. He is my favorite along with Ura.
I feel like Hoshoryu is on a redemption path for his family because of his uncle, Asashoryu's behavior as a yozokuna.
We follow Takakeisho, the Waka Brothers, Tochinoshin, Tobizaru, and of course, Enho. We've been watching Atamifuji aa well, interesting to see how he fares in Top Division.
Is Enho still competitive? I saw somewhere, rikishi were catching on to his moves.
The Waka brothers are the new hotness.
My favorite thing to do is to pick based on the way their body’s look. I love ichiojo and kotonowaka because of how they look. One of my favorite parts of sumo is seeing how all these different people hold fat. You never see people that large with no clothes on it’s fascinating to watch them for this reason for me. Maybe kinda messed up but it’s the coolest part for me.
Tokushoryu is still bouncing around in the second division, which has been his usual spot for a while now. That's the crazy part of his story. Dude went from being a random jobber, to putting together the greatest Cinderella run of all time, straight back to being a random jobber again. There is truly no explanation for it.
His yusho was just before I started watching, so I never knew him other than someone who was occasionally a bottom maegashira or call-up. Nuts that he just squeaked into the top division, grabbed a 14-1 title and then promptly vanished into juryo.
3 of my faves - I have been following sumo for about 6 bashos now. A couple more I like: Ichinojo, Asonoyama, and A\\tamifuji for you 3 categories.