The iconic Japanese sport will be staged at London's Royal Albert Hall with The Grand Sumo Tournament that will take place between 15-19 October 2025 – only the second time in history that an official five-day basho will be held outside Japan after the landmark 1991 tournament at the same venue.

The event will feature elite wrestlers from Japan's top divisions who will compete in approximately 20 bouts every evening.

Sumo is regarded as one of the oldest sports in the world and many of its fascinating traditions will be on display at the Royal Albert Hall. This includes the sacred dohyo-iri (ring entrance ceremony), shikiri (pre-bout showdown to symbolise readiness and banish evil spirits), and other centuries-old rituals – blending athleticism and culture in a celebration of Japan's rich heritage.

James Aincough OBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said: "It's a true honour for the Royal Albert Hall to be the only venue to ever host a Sumo basho outside Japan.

"This will be a historic occasion, and an incredible week of sport, athleticism, and culture. We can't wait to share the rich heritage of this ancient sport with the British public, 34 years after we last hosted it."

Chairman Hakkaku Rijicho (Yokozuna Hokutoumi), chairman of the Japan Sumo Association and winner of the 1991 tournament held at the Royal Albert Hall, commented: "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."