Ozeki — Champion
Ozeki (大関) is the second-highest rank in sumo, just below yokozuna. It is the highest rank to which a wrestler can be promoted based on recent tournament results alone.
Promotion to ozeki typically requires approximately 33 wins over three consecutive tournaments in the sanyaku ranks, though the Japan Sumo Association considers the wrestler's overall performance and fighting spirit rather than applying a rigid formula.
Unlike yokozuna, ozeki can be demoted. One losing record makes an ozeki kadoban (at risk of demotion). A winning record at the next tournament clears kadoban status; another losing record causes demotion to sekiwake. A newly demoted ozeki can return immediately by winning at least ten bouts in the following tournament.