London’s Royal Albert Hall recently hosted a rare international sumo tournament, where the champion, Yokozuna Hoshoryu, received a giant Hello Kitty plush toy and an oversized bottle of soy sauce alongside traditional accolades.
This event marked a significant push to globalize the traditional Japanese sport, representing the first major tournament held outside Japan in many years. Sponsors contributed unique prizes to make the international showcase memorable.
Hoshoryu, a formidable athlete measuring 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighing 330 pounds (150 kg), was photographed holding the Hello Kitty plush and the large soy sauce bottle after his victory.
Sumo wrestler, Hoshoryu, was gifted a giant soy sauce bottle and a giant Hello Kitty after becoming Grand Champion ?? #GrandSumoTournament pic.twitter.com/F69Z2nevS2
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) October 19, 2025
A moment that drew widespread laughter from the audience and online occurred when Hoshoryu attempted to open the massive soy sauce bottle, resulting in him being covered in its contents.
Hoshoryu was gifted a giant soy sauce after becoming Grand Champion ?? pic.twitter.com/QZodKaWcHj
— Starship Alves ?? (@StarshipAlves) October 20, 2025
The tournament successfully brought the excitement of sumo to the English capital, captivating spectators with both traditional combat and unexpected post-match festivities.