Ōzeki

The title of this article is ambiguous. For the Japanese table tennis player of the same name, see Yukie Ōzeki .

Ōzeki ( Japanese 大関 , literally: large barrier ) is the second highest rank in sumo , behind the yokozuna , and like this one of the top sanyaku . Until 1890, Ōzeki was officially the highest rank on the banzuke (ranking list).

To become Ōzeki, the sumo wrestler must generally achieve 33 to 35 wins within three consecutive basho (tournaments) in the two ranks below Ōzeki. An Ōzeki has the privilege of not being able to lose his rank just because of a simple make-koshi (more losses than wins in a tournament). After a one-time make-koshi, he only becomes a kadoban (in danger of relegation). However, if he suffers two make-koshi in a row, he is downgraded to sekiwake . But at the next tournament he has the chance to return to the Ōzeki rank with at least 10 wins. Tochiazuma is the only wrestler to date who has been promoted twice since the rule was introduced in 1969.

In the Kōtō district of Tokyo there is a stone monument for sumō wrestlers of the Ōzeki rank .