If you are a die-hard sumo fan living in North America and find it difficult to make it to Japan six times a year to see live sumo action, you’re in luck.

Next week (October 7-9), a 120-man strong sumo delegation featuring Yobidashi (ushers), Gyoji (referees) and the Makunouchi Rikishi (top division wrestlers) will descend on the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino for Grand Sumo Las Vegas. Sponsored by the Nihon Sumo Kyokkai (Japan Sumo Association), this will be the first time in over 20 years that an official delegation of professional rikishi display their girth and techniques in North America.

In preparation, a special crew will construct a dohyo (sumo ring) that meets all the requirements of the sport, including the proper mixture of clay and sand as well as the correct deployment of the tawara (rice-straw bales). Further, a traditional yakata (the roof over the sumo ring) will be imported from Japan.

For this “Mini-Basho” a champion will be declared each day, with a Grand Champion to be crowned after the final match on Sunday.

After recently winning his record-tying 6th straight Emperor’s Cup at the Aki Basho, Mongolian Asashoryu will likely be gunning to exhibit his continued domination of the sport, though challengers like the giant Bulgarian Kotooshu are sure to give him some spirited competition!

For more tickets or more information on this event, check out the official page.

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We are happy to announce that R. Gerard Pontsioen will be covering the Las Vegas Grand Sumo tournament for JAPUNDIT! Look forward to reading his reports on the tournament here!