Wakatakakage beats Kirishima in playoff to claim second Emperor's Cup

Komusubi-ranked sumo wrestler Wakatakakage clinched the Emperor's Cup — the makuuchi division championship — for the second time in his career, defeating ozeki Kirishima in a tense playoff on the final day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament held Sunday.

Both wrestlers finished the tournament with 12 wins and three losses, forcing a playoff to determine the champion. The decisive bout was dramatic, with Wakatakakage seizing his opportunity to secure the overall victory.

This marks the second time Wakatakakage has won the prestigious title, following his first victory in 2023. The win further cements his status in the sumo world, especially as he is not among the highest-ranked wrestlers such as yokozuna or ozeki.