Longest reigning yokozuna (sumo)

The longest-reigning yokozuna in sumo is Hakuho Sho (Japan, b. Munkhbat Davaajargal, Mongolia), through 84 consecutive basho from July 2007 to September 2021.

Yokozuna is the highest rank in top division sumo. Once obtained, it cannot be taken away without retiring from the sport (unlike all other positions, which are subject to promotion and demotion). This unique privilege comes with a heavy duty to maintain top results in each tournament; failure to do so means immediate forced retirement. Yokozuna reign is measured by the number of basho tournaments, which take place six times each year. The second longest reign is 63 basho, achieved by Kitanoumi (Japan) between 1974 and 1985.