The Grand Sumo Tournament marks the first organized competition by the Japan Sumo Association in the UK since 1991.
**London to Host Grand Sumo Tournament After Three Decades**
**London to Host Grand Sumo Tournament After Three Decades**
Exciting return of Japan's top sumo wrestlers to the Royal Albert Hall in October 2025.
After a hiatus of over thirty years, sumo wrestling is making its highly anticipated return to London. The Grand Sumo Tournament, recognized as the premier competition in the sport, will be held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall from October 15 to October 19, 2025. This historic event will be the first official tournament in Britain hosted by the Japan Sumo Association since 1991.
The last event, which took place in 1991 at the same venue, was a groundbreaking occasion, marking the sport's inaugural venture outside Japan. Nobuyoshi Hakkaku, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association and a champion from the previous tournament, expressed optimism for a similar level of excitement from the audience as experienced in 1991. “Back in 1991, the atmosphere was electric, and we expect even greater enthusiasm this time around,” he remarked at a London press conference.
Although there have been sumo events in cities like New York City in the years since, they were not conducted under the auspices of the Japan Sumo Association. The upcoming tournament in London promises to feature elite wrestlers from Japan’s top division, showcasing the sport's authenticity and bringing a taste of Japanese tradition to a new audience. Fans and newcomers alike are eagerly awaiting this extraordinary cultural showcase, hoping to witness the intense competition that sumo wrestling is renowned for.
