26th ANNUAL
MAY 9, 2026
26th Annual
US SUMO OPEN
MAY 9, 2026
Walter Pyramid @ California State University Long Beach
(LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid)
Tickets are on sale: February 23
For 26 years straight, the largest sumo tournament in North America.
Many sumo heroes have competed in the US Sumo Open, and many have been forged there. Pro Sumo wrestlers from elite divisions and/or with divisional champion titles have won over 30 medals at the US Sumo Open, and conversely, young amateur talent who have won medals at the US Sumo Open have gone on to enter Pro Sumo, even reaching the top division!
You will enjoy 150 back-to-back matches, with 60 wrestlers from 13 countries, including many guys with World Sumo Champion titles or World sumo medals. Immerse in the full Japanese cultural experience with taiko drumming, Japanese cuisine, and drinks!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Special Guest: Japanese Pro Sumo Legend (former ICHINOJO) will be head judge.
- FIVE (5) World Sumo Champions expected to compete — among a field of 60!
- Don’t miss the Main Event (1 pm – 4 pm) featuring top sumo wrestlers, and the Openweight competition where skill and strategy can overcome size!
- Prelim matches begin at 11 am, qualifying for the main event.
- Catch 5 hours of non-stop sumo matches!
- Top Sumo Champions expected from all over the world!
- Savor Japanese food and beverages, while you watch the competition!
- Enjoy Japanese Taiko drumming.
- The venue has the largest Jumbotron (among all universities) in the United States! Catch instant replays.
SPECIAL GUEST
Sumo Legend, sekiwake ICHINOJO, is back again as special guest and head judge!
- 6’4″ 540 lbs
- Pro Sumo Elite — Sekiwake (top 1%)
- Emperor’s Cup Winner (Top Award in Pro Sumo)
- Defeated 5 different “yokozuna” (Grand Champions) a total of 9 different times!
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale: February 23
FLOOR SEATS
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Ringside-Row A: $190
Ringside-Row B: $140
Ringside-Row C: $120- BEST seats in the house, close to the ring.
- Reserved Seating: Select side & row, to get assigned seats, in advance.
- Faster check-in at the Lower Entrance.
- Access to the Sand Bar on the floor, with convenient Japanese bento and beverage options.
- Ringside tickets are non-refundable.
- Early purchases (at least in March) will incur ZERO surcharge!
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- Experience Sumo Stars, up close and personal!
- Reserved seating: Select your seats in advance.
- Just 5-10 yards from the stage.
- Access to the Sand Bar on the floor, with convenient Japanese bento and beverage options.
- Faster check-in at the Lower Entrance.
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ONLY 16 seats available
- Faster check-in at the Lower Entrance.
- Access the Floor level, with more mobility than other Bleacher sections.
- Reserved seating: Sit in the very front of the Sand Bar, with a nice view, a table (for dining) + easy access to the bar.
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ONLY TWO Suites available
- Faster check-in at the Lower Entrance.
- Access the Floor level, with more mobility than other Bleacher sections.
- Elevated Platform for better view
- Waiter service from the Bar!
- ZERO surcharge!
- Seating for 12 people in each suite.
BLEACHER LEVEL GA SEATS
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- Closest Bleachers seats, for an amplified view!
- First 6 rows of Bleachers.
- GA seating: show up early, to choose best seats.
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- Elevated great view of the action.
- GA seating: show up early, to choose best seats.
NOTES:
- Group discounts (20+ people) – contact us for details.
- Children 5 and under on laps are free, and are allowed ONLY in Bleacher sections, not in Ringside and VIP Floor sections.
- CSULB student discounts with ID are available, please contact box office. (ONLY in upper GA sections)
- Nominal surcharges may apply for most tickets sales.
- No Pro-grade cameras allowed. Attendees may shoot video or photos for personal use only. (not for posting or broadcast)
- Cal State Long Beach “Clear Bag” policy.
- There is plenty of campus parking ($15 daily) right next to the venue.
- We reserve the right to deny admission, at our discretion. Any ticketed guests who are denied admission will receive full refunds.
ATHLETE REGISTRATION
If you are interested in competing, please contact us for more details. The entry deadline is April 4.
OFFICIAL HOTEL
Hotel Current is a 5-minute drive from the venue, with heated pool, free WiFi, free parking, microwave, fridge. BOOK YOUR ROOM today for the discounted US Sumo Open rate of $149 (+tax), double-occupancy OK.
Location: 5325 E. Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 90804
SPONSORS
US SUMO OPEN BACKGROUND
As the largest and longest-running, annual sumo competition worldwide, outside of Japan, the US Sumo Open has been the first to bring Pro Sumo Grand Champions as special guests, the first to pioneer women’s matches in American tournaments, the first to feature multiple World Sumo Champions in a single event, and the first to include former top-ranked Pro Sumo wrestlers in competition!
Since 2001, the annual US Sumo Open has been a hallmark event, setting milestones in international sumo’s growth, including multiple national TV broadcasts on Universal Sports Network. We’re proud to be pioneers in developing this ancient martial art in the United States.
The competition level is also spectacular, with over 953 international athletes from 42 countries who have wrestled in 2,882 matches, in the first 25 years. Most of these competitors have been National or World Sumo Champions. This is the only sumo event in North America where you can catch this caliber of international sumo, every year.