London will host its second professional sumo wrestling event at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2025, marking a historic return of the sport to the venue. This Grand Sumo Tournament is a collaboration with the Japan Sumo Association (Nihon Sumo Kyokai) and will celebrate the association’s centenary. It will be the first time in 34 years that sumo returns to London, with the last event held in 1991 at the same iconic location.
The 1991 tournament was a technical challenge for organizers, who had to transport specialist soil from Heathrow to the Royal Albert Hall using wheelbarrows. The venue’s stage was also adapted to withstand the impact of the powerful sumo wrestlers. Despite the challenges, the event proved to be a success, with a sold-out crowd and a broadcast to a national UK audience.
The upcoming tournament promises to be another monumental moment for sumo in the West. The Royal Albert Hall, known for hosting a diverse array of performances for over 100 years, will welcome Japan’s national sport. Unlike other forms of wrestling or boxing that have been staged there, sumo is steeped in centuries of tradition and ritual, adding an extra layer of significance to this event. The cultural aspect of sumo, which blends sport and ceremony, makes it a unique and captivating spectacle for London audiences.
The 2025 tournament will feature 40 of Japan’s top sumo wrestlers competing over five days, from October 15 to 19. The event will aim to bring the authentic sumo experience to London, including the traditional wooden clacks that mark the beginning and end of each match, maintaining the ceremonial aspects that are central to the sport. Hakkaku Rijicho, the chair of the Japan Sumo Association and winner of the 1991 tournament, emphasized the importance of preserving the authenticity of the event while bringing it to a new audience outside of Japan.
The event is not only a sporting occasion but a cultural one, highlighting sumo’s rich history and its role in Japanese heritage. Sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, lead highly disciplined lives in training stables, known as heya, where they adhere to strict routines and customs. This monastic way of life, combined with sumo’s ancient roots, makes it much more than just a physical competition; it is an embodiment of tradition and a symbol of national pride in Japan.
The Royal Albert Hall’s Chief Executive, James Ainscough, expressed his excitement at hosting the event, acknowledging the challenges of scheduling and coordinating the tournament. He noted that while it took time to find the right moment for this international event, the return of sumo to London is a thrilling prospect. The Royal Albert Hall, which prides itself on hosting a diverse range of global cultural events, views sumo as an ideal fit for its storied history and its mission to bring different cultures to the public.
This second professional sumo tournament in London will not only showcase top-level sumo wrestling but also serve as a bridge between cultures, offering the British public a rare opportunity to witness this ancient sport in one of the world’s most iconic venues. It’s a celebration of both athleticism and tradition, and the event promises to be a significant cultural moment for London, especially after the long gap since the last tournament.
As sumo continues to grow in international recognition, the event in 2025 will likely contribute to the sport’s global appeal, helping more people appreciate the depth and history behind the matches. The Royal Albert Hall’s hosting of the tournament is a testament to the venue’s commitment to global cultural exchange and its ability to adapt to and showcase traditions from around the world. This rare opportunity will allow Londoners and visitors alike to experience sumo in its truest form, in a setting that has long been a symbol of artistic and cultural excellence.
