Yesterday, sumo’s hatsu basho championship ended in Tokyo, with sekiwake Tamawashi winning the Emperor’s Cup.

The lane to victory opened up when all three grand champion rikishi, one by one, pulled out of the tournament. First, Kisenosato retired. Then it was yokozuna Kakuryu’s turn to retreat due to injury. Finally, tournament leader and arguably most dominant sumo wrestler of all time, Hakuho, was forced to withdraw with a banged up knee and foot.

Despite the absences at the top, Tamawashi’s performance justified every accolade. At 34, he is the second oldest sumo wrestler in modern history to win a championship (fellow Mongolian Kyokutenho being the oldest). On the same day, Tamawashi’s wife gave birth to their second child. “My wife worked hard so I felt I had to, too,” he said. Don’t you just love this guy ?

While it was also pleasing to see young up-and-comer Takakeisho challenge Tamawashi for the title, I’m glad Tamawashi won this one. In my opinion, Tamawashi has been one of the most underrated riskishi the sport has seen over the past decade. This Emperor’s Cup for Tamawashi has been well-deserved and long overdue.