One of the most sacred combat sports tournaments in the world involves those from the sumo world. Originating from Japan, the United States looks to make an impact in the sport with the International Sumo League and its World Championship Sumo tournament. The first Club Sumo tournament event is on January 25 and airs on TrillerTV.
Every event is a tournament. Fighters can earn points for wins and top placement for the Grand Prix point rankings. The multi-event series culminates with the ultimate tournament on February 18 to crown the first ISL World Sumo Champion, with the top point earners obtaining a spot.
"I am excited and thrilled to bring World Championship Sumo to the world and showcase the very best Rikishi exhibiting their explosive power, strength, size, and athleticism in every match," said ISL President Noah Goldman. "I’m also very excited and happy to be working with the talented Prudential Center team, and the HSBE universe, in delivering World Championship Sumo to Newark and the entire tri-state area. Audiences will be exhilarated and entertained by the explosiveness and speed of every fight. Be prepared to be thrilled and amazed by our Fighting Giants."
To win a sumo fight, one must push or force an opponent out of the ring or put them on the ground. There are multiple rankings in sumo, with Yokozuna (Grand Champion) being the highest, followed by an Ozeki. They get featured in the Makuuchi division. The lowest division is Jonokuchi.
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Some of the best sumo wrestlers of all time include Hakuho, Akebono, Kitanoumi, and Kaio.
The following Rikishi (men of strength) will compete in the tournament: Egypt’s Abdelrahman Shalan, Brazil’s Rui Aparedico de Sa Jr., Russia’s Soslan Gagloev, Bulgaria’s Martin Marinkov, and India’s Navneet Bhati.
The Sporting News will provide all you need to know about the first Club Sumo event for World Championship Sumo, from time, channel, location, and card.
When is World Championship Sumo: Club Sumo 1?
World Championship Sumo's Club Sumo tournaments start on January 25. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Thursday, January 25 | 8 p.m ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Thursday, January 25 | 5 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Friday, January 26 | 1 a.m. GMT |
| Australia | Friday, January 26 | 12 p.m. AEDT |
How to watch World Championship Sumo: Club Sumo 1
Fans in the U.S. can watch World Championship Sumo through FITE/TrillerTV.
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | — | TrillerTV |
| Canada | — | TBA |
| UK and Ireland | — | TBA |
| Australia | — | TBA |
Where is World Championship Sumo: Club Sumo 1
The World Championship Sumo: Cub Sumo events will be in White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. It has a capacity of 800 people.
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World Championship Sumo: Club Sumo competitors
- Abdelrahman Shalan
- Rui Aparedico de Sa Jr.
- Soslan Gagloev
- Martin Marinkov
- Navneet
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