Flora Drury
BBC News

Officially hooked on Sumo?

This is only the second Sumo Grand Tournament to be held in London, so it is fair to say it might be a while before they are back in the UK.

But if your interest has been piqued by what you have seen (and read) over the past few days, fan Cezar De Almeida Johansson has a few tips.

“Take your time, pick one wrestler to root for - and just from there, go on. You will find a lot more things - a lot of people who will surprise you," he advises.

"I think after six years in the list of people I like is huge. (Sumo) is just so impressive."

Rachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall

Image source, Rachel Flynn

“It’s been a joy!” Translator Kiko Akikosugiyama says.

When asked what the rikishi are like when they’re not on the ring.

“So nice. They have a great sense of humour, and are very outgoing".

Thomas Fabbri
Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Image source, Thomas Fabbri

A crowd of sumo fans has gathered at one of the Royal Albert Hall doors, waiting for the rikishi to come out for the last time.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

The impressive salt throws.

Image source, Getty Images

The pure strength!

Image source, Getty Images

The facial expressions.

Rachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall

Image source, Rachel Flynn

Grand champion Hoshoryu has just been speaking to the press after his victorious bout.

He’s a lot more smiley here than on the ring. I asked him how he’s going to celebrate his win.

He smiles again -“I haven’t thought about that yet. But I’m going to think about it now!,” he replies.

He says there was a lot of anticipation around this tournament, and that even though this win won’t affect his ranking, he put everything into it.

“I had such a great time in London. If I get the opportunity to come again, I will’ the grand champion says, which is then translated to us.

When asked if he has any advice to give a young keen rikishi?

“Work hard to achieve your dreams”, he says.

Spoken like a true champion.

BBC iPlayer

You can catch up on all the Sumo action here, for up to 30 days.

Thomas Fabbri
Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Image source, Thomas Fabbri

Dipi, a Hoshoryu fan from London - "It's just been absolutely fantastic.

'I loved it. I'm a huge Hoshoryu fan, I'm so happy that he won!

'I couldn't believe it actually, I wasn't really sure which way it would go.

'Maybe I thought it might go to a three-way playoff since Tobizaru was doing so well and he's so popular. I'm really happy."

Image source, Getty Images

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called a heya, led by a stable master.

The daily life of a rikishi is dedicated entirely to sumo. They wake up early for an intense morning practice, followed by a rich lunch of chankonabe (a high-protein stew designed to build bulk), and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – around 10,000 calories – although the retired wrestler Takamisugi became famous when he reportedly ate 65 bowls of chankonabe in one sitting. Rikishi intentionally gain weight to maximise their leverage in the ring.

Despite their massive size, they are incredibly flexible, agile, and have explosive power.

A rikishi's ranking regulates whether he is paid, allowed to have his own room or even live outside the stable or have an assistant.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi cook and perform chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

While we wait to hear from the Champion, read the next post on what life is like as a rikishi.

That's it for the TV coverage, but don't go anywhere!

We've got reaction coming your way very shortly.

Thomas Fabbri
Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Amused by the sumo - sized prizes? That's a classic.

The winner of each 15-day tournament in Japan gets a literal giant macaron, gifted by France.

Image source, Picture by Sumo kyokai

Going back to sumo-sized items.

Short but sweet!

Highest ranking rikishi, Onosato addresses the crowd from the middle of the ring - "Hello everyone.

'London is great.

'Thank you and see you again.

'Goodbye".

Rachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall

Image source, Rachel Flynn

Referees, rikishis and officials gather for the closing ceremony.

It’s a sight to behold. After all the mental and physical training, the sumo wrestlers receive a well-deserved standing ovation.

Most of them look stern, but I caught a smile from Takayasu.

The 40 rikishi all line up around the ring for the closing ceremony