Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danilo Aonishiki Yavgusishin has achieved the rank of ozeki after his victory at the Kyushu 2025 tournament. The Japan Sumo Association officially confirmed Aonishiki's promotion during a meeting in Tokyo, followed by a promotion ceremony in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. This was reported by Kyodonews.net, with additional details from Sponichi.co.jp.
His rise to ozeki after just 14 tournaments surpasses the previous record of 19 events set by Bulgarian wrestler Kotooshu, who was the fastest among competitors debuting in the lowest of the six divisions of professional sumo, jonokuchi, since the current calendar of six major tournaments per year was implemented in 1958.
For the Ukrainian sumo wrestler, this was only his fifth grand tournament in the Makuuchi division (the highest sumo division – ed.). He showcased impressive consistency, winning at least 11 matches in each of his five tournaments in Makuuchi.
"There is still one higher rank, so I would like to strive for it. I am confident in myself, but I need to improve in all areas. The highest ranks in sumo are yokozuna and ozeki. I will put in all my efforts, feeling a great responsibility," Aonishiki said.
Overall, he became only the fourth European to achieve the ozeki rank. Previously, this was accomplished by Kotooshu (Kaloyan Mahlyanov, Bulgaria), Baruto (Kaljo Heverson, Estonia), and Tochinoshin (Levan Gorgadze, Georgia). None of them managed to reach the yokozuna rank.
The title of yokozuna has been awarded since 1789. In total, throughout history, only 75 wrestlers have achieved this rank. Two representatives from the USA (both from Hawaii) and six Mongolians have become yokozuna, while all the others are Japanese.

Ranks in Sumo:

• Maegashiri – earn an average of ~$12,500.
• Komusubi – have separate privileges, ~$16,000, title challenges, and post-career roles.
• Sekiwake – the "steps" to ozeki; must consistently achieve 10+ wins in tournaments.
• Ozeki – ~$22,000, membership in the Association after career, substantial payout, ceremonial roles. Usually, 33 wins over 3 tournaments are required for promotion. If an ozeki receives make kochi (7-8 or worse), they have a chance to rehabilitate at the next tournament.
• Yokozuna – the highest rank, only 75 sumo wrestlers in history have achieved it. They typically become yokozuna after winning two consecutive yusho at the ozeki level or equivalent dominance. Yokozuna are not demoted; if they perform poorly for a long time, they retire. Currently, there are 2 yokozuna – Hoshoryu (Mongolia) and Onosato (Japan).

Sumo wrestlers, even if they are not from Japan, choose a name for their performances. Danilo adopted the ring name Aonishiki Arata, which means "Blue Brocade" (a decorative fabric with a silk base – ed.). This metaphor can signify a young yet vibrant talent or noble strength in a youthful body.