OZEKI

Ozeki is the title of a ranking given to sumo wrestlers.

The Ozeki or champion rank, is immediately below yokozuna. A rikishi at the rank of sekiwake or komosubi that wins approximately 33 bouts over three consecutive basho may earn the rank of ozeki. The quality of his sumo is also taken into account. Unlike a yokozuna, an ozeki may be demoted if he has two consecutive makekoshi tournaments. After the first such result, the ozeki is kadoban and he must get a kachikoshi in the next basho or he will be demoted to sekiwake. He can regain his ozeki rank in the next tournament if he wins ten or more bouts. If he fails to win ten, he must start the process from the beginning if he is to regain the rank.