Abu Dhabi is preparing to make history this Saturday as the Space42 Arena plays host to the UAE’s first international professional sumo tournament. The All-Star Sumo Competition, organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and USA Sumo, will feature nine elite wrestlers facing off in a series of 36 high-stakes bouts. The event has already reached full capacity, signaling significant local interest in the sport. Facing different types of wrestlers and giving it my all to aim for the championship,” Ichi said, i am really looking forward to competing again. Your understanding of the sport completely changes.”, once you see it from just a few metres away.
Andrew Freund, founder of USA Sumo and director of the competition, believes the event is a milestone for the sport’s global expansion. “Bringing All-Star Sumo to Abu Dhabi is an exciting opportunity to introduce the sport to a new audience and continue its growth internationally,” Freund stated. He noted that the event aims to showcase the unique blend of athleticism, tradition, and pure spectacle that defines sumo, with the goal of establishing a lasting relationship with fans across the Middle East.
The competition showcases a diverse field of athletes with varying physical attributes and professional backgrounds, ranging in weight from 140kg to 250kg. Japan’s Ichi headlines the group as its most decorated participant. Standing 193cm tall and weighing 230kg, Ichi spent a decade in Japan’s professional ranks, eventually reaching the elite sekiwake rank and securing the Emperor’s Cup. He emphasized that sumo is a discipline where mind and body must align, noting that success depends as much on courtesy as it does on victory. “Sumo is a sport in which mind and body are united, placing importance not only on winning and losing but also on courtesy.
Adding to the intensity is Japan’s Hiroki, the heaviest wrestler in the lineup at 250kg and 193cm. A two-time divisional champion with 12 years of elite professional experience, Hiroki promised fans a visceral experience. “You will be amazed by the sheer power of the wrestlers colliding with one another, but also by how surprisingly quick they can move,” he said, explaining that matches are often decided in an instant. He added: “Many people know the image of a sumo wrestler, but they have never experienced the speed, power, technique, discipline and tradition of sumo live, turning to what spectators can expect on Saturday.
Tactical nuance is also represented by Japan’s Fumiya, who stands 170cm and weighs 230kg. Despite being the shortest competitor, his low center of gravity provides a strategic edge. Fumiya describes the sport as more than raw force, highlighting the complex exchange of techniques like grappling, sidestepping, pulling, and pushing that requires constant assessment of an opponent’s movements. His lower centre of gravity plays to his advantage against taller opponents.
The international roster is rounded out by several high-profile competitors. Mongolia’s Mendee is a reigning World Sumo Champion and US Sumo Open champion. His compatriot Tora enters with the most extensive experience in the field, boasting 825 career matches. Japan’s Waka also brings a wealth of experience with 763 bouts, while Mongolia’s Zorig is the lightest athlete in the group at 140kg. Additionally, the event features two-time World Sumo Championships silver medallist Jaagii.
Representing the host region is Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar, the sole Arab competitor. A professional chef and ten-time Egyptian national champion, the 193cm, 220kg wrestler views the event as a significant platform. “I am carrying the Egyptian flag and representing millions of people across the Arab world,” El-Gazar remarked. He expressed hope that the tournament will catalyze the development of sumo in the region and serve as an inspiration for a new generation of local athletes to engage with the sport.
Beyond the competition itself, spectators will witness the rich cultural heritage associated with the sport. The program includes traditional pre-bout rituals and a formal ring-entering procession, all managed under the strict professional standards maintained by USA Sumo to ensure the integrity of the tradition is preserved throughout the debut event.
