Abi Masatora
A sumo wrestler known for his blistering, unconventional slapping attacks who clawed back from a suspension to claim his first top-division championship.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Japanese sumo wrestler·Birthday: May 4·Millennials
Biography
Abi Masatora is a disruptor in the ancient, ritualistic world of sumo. Unlike the typical powerhouse who seeks a belt grip, Abi's weapon is a furious, long-range barrage of open-handed slaps (tsuppari) that keep opponents at a distance and off balance. His aggressive, almost modern style propelled him quickly to the sport's top makuuchi division. However, his career faced a major setback in 2020 when he was suspended for violating COVID-19 protocols by visiting a nightlife district. Forced to sit out and start his climb from the bottom, he used the humiliation as fuel. He returned leaner, sharper, and even more determined. The redemption arc culminated in November 2022 when he powered through the Kyushu tournament with a 12-3 record, capturing his first Emperor's Cup. Abi's story is one of raw talent, self-inflicted adversity, and a resilient comeback, proving that even in sumo's rigid hierarchy, a unique style and fierce will can prevail.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Abi was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Abi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Abi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won his first top-division yusho (tournament championship) at the November 2022 Kyushu basho with a 12-3 record.
- Has earned five kinboshi (gold stars) for defeating yokozuna while ranked as a maegashira, a sign of giant-killing prowess.
- Achieved the rank of sekiwake, the third-highest rank in sumo, and has held it multiple times.
- Has received multiple special prizes for Fighting Spirit and one for Outstanding Performance for his tournament performances.
Did You Know?
His shikona (ring name) 'Abi' comes from the Japanese word for horsefly, reflecting his irritating, persistent attacking style.
Before his suspension, he was known for having a very muscular, bulky physique, which he streamlined upon his return.
He is an avid fan of professional wrestling and has incorporated some of its theatrical elements into his ring-entrance routine.
He trains at the Shikoroyama stable, which was founded by former yokozuna Asahifuji.
“My sumo is to attack forward without hesitation.”
