In the world of professional sumo, Zensho is the ultimate mark of dominance.
What it Means
A Zensho occurs when a wrestler (rikishi) wins every single match in a 15-day tournament.
In a standard top-division tournament, a wrestler competes once per day. To achieve a Zensho, they must finish with a perfect record of 15–0.
Why It Matters
- The Perfect Score: It is the highest achievement a wrestler can reach in a single tournament.
- Promotion Power: Achieving a Zensho often secures a promotion to a higher rank, especially the top rank of Yokozuna.
- Extra Prize Money: While every tournament winner (Yusho) receives a trophy and a cash prize, a perfect 15–0 record brings immense prestige and often additional sponsorship bonuses.
How Common Is It?
It is very rare. Even the strongest champions often lose one or two matches due to a slip, a fast opponent, or a simple mistake.
When a wrestler wins the tournament but loses at least one match (for example, finishing 14–1), they still win the championship, but they do not get the title of Zensho.
Quick Summary
| Term | Meaning |
| Yusho | Winning the tournament (any record). |
| Zensho | Winning the tournament with zero losses (15–0). |