TORCHBEARER 2025: the picks, torch match notices, results

[shimodahito]

Ryoshishokunin moves into 2^nd place.  Plenty of challengers today.  Welcome to the TORCH MATCH on Day 9:

RIKISHI
FUJIRYOGA vs HAKUYOZAN

RANK
JURYO 13 WEST vs JURYO 10 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Bunbukuchagama’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
Jejima’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
maorencze’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
RaecherLax’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
Tigerboy1966’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
kuroimori’s rank pick is JURYO 13 WEST
Tochinofuji’s rank pick is JURYO 13 WEST
umbriel2’s rank pick is JURYO 13 WEST
Ryoshishokunin’s rikishi pick is FUJIRYOGA
Gurowake’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN
Pandaazuma’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN
Sukubidubidu’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
31 points - kuroimori
31 points - Tochinofuji
31 points - umbriel2
27 points - Ryoshishokunin
25 points - LLCoolKay
21 points - Andonishiki
16 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Sakura
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - rokudenashi
7 points - Taikoubana
5 points - Naganoyama
4 points - Asterix
4 points - Furanohana
4 points - Jimizakura
4 points - Kitanoedo
4 points - Masutarida
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - Profomisakari
4 points - rhyen
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
4 points - Stupidface
2 points - Bunbukuchagama
2 points - charliki
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - Jejima
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - maorencze
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - pandaazuma
2 points - RaecerLax
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Sukubidubidu
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Tigerboy1966
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno
1 point - Yukiarashi

@Bunbukuchagama @Gurowake @Jejima @maorencze @Pandaazuma @RaeucherLax @Sukubidubidu @Tigerboy1966
 

[shimodahito]

This is likely the longest the TORCH has stayed in the hands of an undefeated rikishi, but it has finally passed.  Perhaps it just wanted to stay in the lower half of juryo.  Welcome to the TORCH MATCH on Day 10:

RIKISHI
HAKUYOZAN vs SHIDEN

RANK
JURYO 10 EAST vs JURYO 14 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Bunbukuchagama’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
Jejima’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
maorencze’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
RaecherLax’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
Tigerboy1966’s rank pick is JURYO 10 EAST
charliki’s rank pick is JURYO 14 EAST
Yukiarashi’s rank pick is JURYO 14 EAST
Gurowake’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN
Pandaazuma’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN
Sukubidubidu’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
25 points - LLCoolKay
21 points - Andonishiki
19 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Sakura
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - rokudenashi
7 points - Taikoubana
5 points - Bunbukuchagama
5 points - Jejima
5 points - maorencze
5 points - Naganoyama
5 points - pandaazuma
5 points - RaecerLax
5 points - Sukubidubidu
5 points - Tigerboy1966
4 points - Asterix
4 points - Furanohana
4 points - Jimizakura
4 points - Kitanoedo
4 points - Masutarida
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - Profomisakari
4 points - rhyen
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
4 points - Stupidface
2 points - charliki
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno
1 point - Yukiarashi

@charliki @Yukiarashi
 

[shimodahito]

Another handoff.  Welcome to the TORCH MATCH on Day 11:

RIKISHI
SHIDEN vs KAYO

RANK
JURYO 14 EAST vs JURYO 8 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Furanohana’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Jimizakura’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Kitanoedo’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Naganoyama’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Profomisakari’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
rhyen’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Stupidface’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
charliki’s rank pick is JURYO 14 EAST
Yukiarashi’s rank pick is JURYO 14 EAST

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
25 points - LLCoolKay
21 points - Andonishiki
20 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Sakura
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - rokudenashi
7 points - Taikoubana
6 points - Bunbukuchagama
6 points - Jejima
6 points - maorencze
5 points - Naganoyama
6 points - pandaazuma
6 points - RaecherLax
6 points - Sukubidubidu
6 points - Tigerboy1966
5 points - charliki
4 points - Asterix
4 points - Furanohana
4 points - Jimizakura
4 points - Kitanoedo
4 points - Masutarida
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - Profomisakari
4 points - rhyen
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
4 points - Stupidface
4 points - Yukiarashi
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno

@furanohana @Jimizakura @Kitanedo @Naganoyama @Profomisakari @rhyen @Stupidface

[shimodahito]

Another handoff, upper juryo territory, and note that Kayo was also in the 2024 TORCH MATCH Kyushu Day 12:

RIKISHI
KAYO vs ASAHAKURYU

RANK
JURYO 8 EAST vs JURYO 2 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
LLCoolKay’s rikishi pick is ASAHAKURYU
Furanohana’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Jimizakura’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Kitanoedo’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Naganoyama’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Profomisakari’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
rhyen’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Stupidface’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Wamahada’s rank pick is JURYO 2 WEST

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
25 points - LLCoolKay
21 points - Andonishiki
20 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Sakura
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
8 points - Naganoyama
8 points - charliki
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Furanohana
7 points - Jimizakura
7 points - Kitanoedo
7 points - Profomisakari
7 points - rhyen
7 points - Ripe
7 points - rokudenashi
7 points - Stupidface
7 points - Taikoubana
7 points - Yukiarashi
6 points - Bunbukuchagama
6 points - Jejima
6 points - maorencze
6 points - pandaazuma
6 points - RaecherLax
6 points - Sukubidubidu
6 points - Tigerboy1966
4 points - Asterix
4 points - Masutarida
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno

@LLCoolKay @Wamahada

[shimodahito]

LLCoolKay is back and in 2^nd place.  Only two up for points in the TORCH MATCH on Kyushu Day 13:

RIKISHI
ASAHAKURYU vs KAZEKENO

RANK
JURYO 2 WEST vs JURYO 8 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
LLCoolKay’s rikishi pick is ASAHAKURYU
Wamahada’s rank pick is JURYO 2 WEST

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
28 points - LLCoolKay
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
21 points - Andonishiki
20 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Sakura
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
9 points - Naganoyama
8 points - charliki
8 points - Furanohana
8 points - Jimizakura
8 points - Kitanoedo
8 points - Profomisakari
8 points - rhyen
8 points - Stupidface
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - rokudenashi
7 points - Taikoubana
7 points - Yukiarashi
6 points - Bunbukuchagama
6 points - Jejima
6 points - maorencze
6 points - pandaazuma
6 points - RaecherLax
6 points - Sukubidubidu
6 points - Tigerboy1966
4 points - Asterix
4 points - Masutarida
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
3 points - Wamahada
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno
 

[shimodahito]

The points list is going to grow.  Welcome to the TORCH MATCH on Kyushu Day 14:

RIKISHI
ASAHAKURYU vs SHIROKUMA

RANK
JURYO 2 WEST vs JURYO 7 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
LLCoolKay’s rikishi pick is ASAHAKURYU
Andonishiki's rikishi pick is SHIROKUMA
rokudenashi’s rikishi pick is SHIROKUMA
Sakura’s rikishi pick is SHIROKUMA
Taikoubana’s rikishi pick is SHIROKUMA
Wamahada’s rank pick is JURYO 2 WEST
Benihana’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
Cydrome’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
Karasukurai’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
Masutarida’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
Reonito’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
31 points - LLCoolKay
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
21 points - Andonishiki
20 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Sakura
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
9 points - Naganoyama
8 points - charliki
8 points - Furanohana
8 points - Jimizakura
8 points - Kitanoedo
8 points - Profomisakari
8 points - rhyen
8 points - Stupidface
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - rokudenashi
7 points - Taikoubana
7 points - Yukiarashi
6 points - Bunbukuchagama
6 points - Jejima
6 points - maorencze
6 points - pandaazuma
6 points - RaecherLax
6 points - Sukubidubidu
6 points - Tigerboy1966
6 points - Wamahada
4 points - Asterix
4 points - Masutarida
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno

@Andonishiki @Benihana @Cydrome @Karasukurai @Masutarida @Reonito @rokudenashi @Sakura @Taikoubana
 

Edited November 21 by shimodahito

[Masutarida]

Let’s go Shirokuma! Upset Asahakuryu 

 

where can I see everyone’s picks?

Edited November 22 by Masutarida

[Ryoshishokunin]

1 hour ago, Masutarida said:

Let’s go Shirokuma! Upset Asahakuryu 

 

where can I see everyone’s picks?

page 1

[Jakusotsu]

2 hours ago, Ryoshishokunin said:

page 1

and http

[WAKATAKE]

1 hour ago, Jakusotsu said:

and http

In trying to react to this post it wouldn't let me since the page had "s"

[Masutarida]

Interesting that Takerufuji could end up with the torch - not many would’ve predicted that as a perennial Makuuchi guy

[shimodahito]

LLCoolKay slides back into 1^st place, but will the lead hold for the bonus point round?  Probably as the picks are listed.  Amazing picks by LLCookKay!  Welcome to the FINAL senshuraku TORCH MATCH of 2025!

RIKISHI
ASAHAKURYU vs TAKERUFUJI

RANK
JURYO 2 WEST vs JURYO 7 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
LLCoolKay’s rikishi pick is ASAHAKURYU
Wamahada’s rank pick is JURYO 2 WEST
Andreas21’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
code_number3’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
Ganzohnesushi’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
Godango’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
Haidouzo’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
LLCoolKay's rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
Munjeezy’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST
Pitinosato’s rank pick is JURYO 7 EAST

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

TORCH MATCH point standings:
34 points - LLCoolKay
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
22 points - Andonishiki
20 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
13 points - Sakura
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
9 points - Naganoyama
9 points - Wamahada
8 points - charliki
8 points - Furanohana
8 points - Jimizakura
8 points - Kitanoedo
8 points - Profomisakari
8 points - rhyen
8 points - rokudenashi
8 points - Stupidface
8 points - Taikoubana
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - Yukiarashi
6 points - Bunbukuchagama
6 points - Jejima
6 points - maorencze
6 points - pandaazuma
6 points - RaecherLax
6 points - Sukubidubidu
6 points - Tigerboy1966
5 points - Masutarida
4 points - Asterix
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Benihana
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Cydrome
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Karasukurai
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Reonito
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno

@Andreas21 @code_number3 @Ganzohnesushi @Godango @Haidouzo @LLCoolKay @Munjeezy @Pitinosato @Wamahada
 

Edited November 23 by shimodahito

[Masutarida]

Wow the winner had both one of the final 2 rikishi and the rank so guaranteed himself 25 points! That must be a torchbearer first?

When’s the thread for next year coming out? Haha

[Torideyama]

Congratulations LLCoolKay!

[shimodahito]

I'm always groovy when an Aomori rikishi does well.  The final TORCHEARER 2025 match winner was Juryo 7 East Takerufuji.  

FINAL 2025 TORCH MATCH point standings:
38 points - LLCoolKay
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - Tochinofuji
32 points - umbriel2
28 points - Ryoshishokunin
22 points - Andonishiki
20 points - Gurowake
14 points - Unkonoyama
13 points - Sakura
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - dingo
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - thatsumoguy
12 points - wolfgangho
12 points - Yarimotsu
11 points - Hakuhonofan
11 points - Torideyama
10 points - Wamahada
9 points - Naganoyama
8 points - charliki
8 points - Furanohana
8 points - Jimizakura
8 points - Kitanoedo
8 points - Profomisakari
8 points - rhyen
8 points - rokudenashi
8 points - Stupidface
8 points - Taikoubana
7 points - Leoben
7 points - Ripe
7 points - Yukiarashi
6 points - Bunbukuchagama
6 points - Jejima
6 points - maorencze
6 points - pandaazuma
6 points - RaecherLax
6 points - Sukubidubidu
6 points - Tigerboy1966
5 points - Masutarida
4 points - Asterix
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - shimodahito
4 points - Shokikogi
3 points - Andreas21
3 points - code_number3
3 points - Ganzohnesushi
3 points - Godango
3 points - Haidouzo
3 points - Munjeezy
3 points - Pitinosato
2 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - kotoshikona
2 points - orandashoho
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Shitamachi
2 points - Takanorappa
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Benihana
1 point - Chankomafuji
1 point - churaumi
1 point - Cydrome
1 point - Joaoiyama
1 point - Jesinofuji
1 point - Karasukurai
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Obana
1 point - Reonito
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Terarno

The next post will calculate and add all the FINAL TORCH POINTS.

Edited November 23 by shimodahito

[shimodahito]

good day all,
   The 2025 TORCH prize is ready for the winner(s).   The TORCH MATCH point leader is LLCookKay with a solid 38 points.  Now time to tally the end-of-year FINAL TORCH POINTS.  To recap the rules for end-of-year TORCH POINTS, 25 points are awarded if you picked the FINAL TORCH position RANK or RIKISHI.  Additional points are awarded to the next 10 closest picks.  (10 points to the closest pick, down to 1 point for the 10^th closest pick).

We’ll start with the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RANK.   A record SEVEN players (Andreas21 & code_number3 & Ganzohnesushi & Godango & Haidouzo & LLCoolKay & Munjeezy & Pitinosato) claimed the bullseye with their JURYO 7 EAST pick.   In all, 68 players earned FINAL TORCH RANK points! 

JURYO 01 WEST........
JURYO 02 EAST........(2 points: Aled ap Tomos)
JURYO 02 WEST........(3 points: Wamahada)
JURYO 03 EAST........(4 points: Fujisan)
JURYO 03 WEST........
JURYO 04 EAST........(5 points: Ryoshishokunin & Umigame)
JURYO 04 WEST........(6 points: Kaito & mugatake & nutzername & Ripe & Torideyama/Yooho)
JURYO 05 EAST........(7 points: Chankomafuji & Jesinofuji & Obana)
JURYO 05 WEST........(8 points: Amamaniac & Hakuhonofan & Kintamayama)
JURYO 06 EAST........(9 points: Kotogouryuu & Kurowashi & Leoben & Itachi/Jason)
JURYO 06 WEST........(10 points: Chisaiyama & Holleshoryu & Shitamachi & Yubinhaad)
FINAL TORCH RANK: JURYO 7 EAST...(25 points: Andreas21 & code_number3 & Ganzohnesushi & Godango & Haidouzo & LLCoolKay & Munjeezy & Pitinosato)
JURYO 07 WEST........(10 points: Benihana & Cydrome & Karasukurai & Masutarida & Reonito)
JURYO 08 EAST........(9 points: Furanohana & Jimizakura & Kitanoedo & Naganoyama & Profomisakari & rhyen & Stupidface)
JURYO 08 WEST........(8 points: Akōgyokuseki & Athenayama & Sukubidubidu)
JURYO 09 EAST........
JURYO 09 WEST........(6 points: Senkoho & Suwihuto)
JURYO 10 EAST........(5 points: Bunbukuchagama & Jejima & maorencze & RaecherLax & Tigerboy1966)
JURYO 10 WEST........
JURYO 11 EAST........(4 points: kotoshikona & orandashoho & Takanorappa)
JURYO 11 WEST........(3 points: Andonishiki & Gurowake & Unkonoyama)
JURYO 12 EAST........(2 points: Asterix & Shokikogi)
JURYO 12 WEST........(1 point: Churaumi & Daughter of Sukubidubidu & Joaoiyama & Miselet & Mmikasazuma & Yarimotsu)

@Aled ap Tomos @Wamahada @Fujisan @Churaumi @Sukubidubidu @Joaoiyama @MISELET @Mmikasazuma @Yarimotsu @Asterix @Shokikogi @Umigame @nutzername @orandashoho @Kaito @Takanorappa @kotoshikona @mugatake @Suwihuto @Senkoho @Akōgyokuseki @Athenayama @Jesinofuji @Amamaniac @Kintamayama

Edited November 23 by shimodahito

[shimodahito]

Next, the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RIKISHI.  No players picked TAKERUFUJI to claim the 25-point bullseye, but I’m always ecstatic when we have an Aomori rikishi win!  .  In all, 24 players earned FINAL TORCH RIKISHI points. 
Kudos to top players who scored both RIKISHI and RANK points LLCoolKay (29), Munjeezy (28), Leoben (17), Karasukurai (15), Sukubidubidu (15), Ripe (14), Stupidface (14), Andonishiki (13), Naganoyama (12), Gurowake (10), Hakuhonofan (10), Obana (10), Torideyama (8), Senkoho (7), Yarimotsu (3); proof that this truly is a skill game. 

SHONANNOUMI...(1 point: Senkoho & Yukiarashi)
OSHOUMI.......
SADANOUMI.....
CHIYOSHOMA....
ASAKORYU......
MEISEI........
HITOSHI.......
FUJISEIUN.....
KOTOEIHO......(3 points: Munjeezy & Obana)
ASAHAKURYU....(4 points: LLCoolKay)
MITA..........(5 points: Karasukurai & Stupidface)
DAISEIZAN.....(6 points: Tochinofuji)
KAGAYAKI.......
ASANOYAMA.....(8 points: dingo & Leoben & Ripe)
HATSUYAMA......
TOCHITAIKAI....
KOTOKUZAN......
NISHIKIGI......
 FINAL TORCH RIKSHI: TAKERUFUJI...(25 points: none)
SHIROKUMA.....(10 points: Andonishiki & rokudenashi & Sakura & Taikoubana)
KAYO...........
KAZEKENO.......
HIDENOUMI.....(9 points: thatsumoguy)
NISHINORYU.....
HAKUYOZAN.....(7 points: Gurowake & Pandaazuma & Sukubidubidu)
TOHAKURYU......
TAMASHOHO......
TSURUGISHO.....
KITANOWAKA....(3 points: charliki/Gibuten & Naganoyama)
ASASUIRYU......
HIMUKAMARU.....
FUJIRYOGA......(2.5 points: ryoshishokunin [discovered after other points awarded])
SHIDEN.........
WAKANOSHO......
TAKAKENTO......
KYOKUKAIYU....(2 points: Hakuhonofan & Torideyama/Yoohoo & Yarimotsu)
OTSUJI.........

 

@Munjeezy @Obana @Senkoho @Yukiarashi @Karasukurai @Stupidface @Hakuhonofan @Torideyama @Yarimotsu @charliki @Naganoyama @Pandaazuma @thatsumoguy @Taikoubana @Sakura @Gurowake @Andonishiki @rokudenashi @dingo  @Leoben  @Ripe @Tochinofuji
 

Edited November 27 by shimodahito

[shimodahito]

With all the points added, our final standings put 91 players on the board:

FINAL TORCHBEARER 2025 POINT STANDINGS:
67 points - LLCoolKay
38 points - Tochinofuji
35.5 points - Ryoshishokunin
35 points - Andonishiki
32 points - kuroimori
32 points - umbriel2
31 points - Munjeezy
30 points - Gurowake
28 points - Andreas21
28 points - code_number3
28 points - Ganzohnesushi
28 points - Godango
28 points - Haidouzo
28 points - Pitinosato
24 points - Leoben
23 points - Sakura
22 points - Stupidface
21 points - Hakuhonofan
21 points - Naganoyama
21 points - Ripe
21 points - Sukubidubidu
21 points - thatsumoguy
20 points - dingo
19 points - Torideyama
18 points - rokudenashi
18 points - Taikoubana
17 points - Furanohana
17 points - Jimizakura
17 points - Kitanoedo
17 points - Profomisakari
17 points - rhyen
17 points - Unkonoyama
15 points - Masutarida
15 points - Yarimotsu
13 points - pandaazuma
13 points - Wamahada
12 points - Achiyama
12 points - Rocks
12 points - Saigo
12 points - Saruyama
12 points - Shitamachi
12 points - wolfgangho
11 points - Benihana
11 points - Bunbukuchagama
11 points - charliki
11 points - Cydrome
11 points - Jejima
11 points - Karasukurai
11 points - maorencze
11 points - Obana
11 points - RaecherLax
11 points - Reonito
11 points - Tigerboy1966
10 points - Holleshoryu
10 points - Chisaiyama
10 points - Yuninhaad
9 points - Itachi
9 points - Kurowashi
9 points - Kotogouryuu
8 points - Akōgyokuseki
8 points - Amamaniac
8 points - Athenayama
8 points - Chankomafuji
8 points - Jesinofuji
8 points - Kintamayama
8 points - Senkoho
8 points - Yukiarashi
7 points - mugatake
7 points - Suwihuto
6 points - Asterix
6 points - Kaito
6 points - kotoshikona
6 points - nutzername
6 points - orandashoho
6 points - Shokikogi
6 points - Takanorappa
5 points - Umigame
4 points - Fujisan
4 points - MumboJumbo
4 points - shimodahito
3 points - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
2 points - Aled ap Tomos
2 points - churaumi
2 points - Joaoiyama
2 points - Miselet
2 points - Mmikasazuma
2 points - Nantonoyama
2 points - Shatsume
2 points - Wakatake
1 point - Terarno
No points this year for Kofjuji, a pioneer of this forum, but any donations to the international cancer advocacy network (ICAN) will always be appreciated.

 

   Congratulations to LLCookKay, the TORCHBEARER 2025 winner.  I’ll be corresponding to send the prize. 
   For those keeping tabs on how often the 25-point TORCH bullseye is achieved:
         2011 - 3
         2012 - 1
         2015 - 3
         2016 - 3
         2017 - 2
         2018 - 2
         2019 - 1
         2021 - 1
         2022 - 1
         2023 - 3
         2024 - 5
         2025 - 7

Also note that runner up, Tochinofuji, is a TORCHBEARER rookie!  Nice debut.   Thanks for participating and I hope you all can update your pick or, if a new player, submit a pick for next year.  You can send your TORCHBEARER 2026 picks to me now, or wait until the Hatsu banzuke is released.  An invite (with rules for new players) will be out soon.  Pick one rank and one rikishi where you think the TORCH will be at the end of the year.  This sumo game has a prize.  New players are always welcome.

Again, thanks.
-shimodahito

@Terarno @LLCoolKay @Tochinofuji @Shatsume @WAKATAKE @Nantonoyama @kuroimori @umbriel2 @Achiyama @Saruyama @wolfgangho @Rocks @Millwood @MumboJumbo

Edited November 27 by shimodahito

[Torideyama]

Thank you Shimodahito for another great tournament.

[Torideyama]

So by my count, just short of 75% of the players this year were in the points.  That seems like a record to me (but I haven't done the math for all 18(?) years.  And with only 1 player with 1 point, I think there may be some bad banzuke luck coming among the low scorers, based on previous years.  Thanks to all 122 players, and I hope you will continue to play in 2026.  Gambatte!

[Torideyama]

So I stumbled across a post from this summer by Pandaazuma where he wondered why he was an Ozeki when he hadn't played the game in 4 or 5 years.  So, having a slow day at work (Video meetings all day), I decided to find out why.

Turns out that he submitted Hakuyozan and mS7W as his picks in 2020 (the COVID year).  That year, his mS7W pick got him enough points for a kachikoshi.  He has never submitted any other picks since then.  But since shimodahito rolls over any picks for any players that do not submit picks (as long as the rikishi pick has not retired (and Hakuyozan has not)), Pandaazuma has been playing our great game every basho since then.  And while I have not looked at his exact records for each year, he has had a kachikoshi record at least every other year to keep his Ozeki status.  This year he scored 13 points with Hakuyozan to score another kachikoshi.

I am absolutely amazed at this spectacular record, and congratulate Pandaazuma for this achievement.  Gambatte!!

[Gurowake]

Hakuyozan has been a pretty safe bet for this game the last few years - I think I picked him the last two years.  I think the time has come for me to switch to someone else though; I'm not feeling him being able to hold on in Juryo by the end of 2026.  He should be demoted this basho, but there really isn't anyone to replace him.

[Ryoshishokunin]

On 23/11/2025 at 21:15, shimodahito said:

FUJIRYOGA......
SHIDEN.........
WAKANOSHO......
TAKAKENTO......
KYOKUKAIYU....(2 points: Hakuhonofan & Torideyama/Yoohoo & Yarimotsu)
OTSUJI.........

I should get points for Fujiryoga.  Name change got you :) 

Thanks as always.  Time to find my next unlikely candidate who will have a name change...

[shimodahito]

On 24/11/2025 at 19:55, Ryoshishokunin said:

I should get points for Fujiryoga.  Name change got you :) 

Thanks as always.  Time to find my next unlikely candidate who will have a name change...

This is a good catch and to correct properly, would be problematically taking away one bonus point from five players to give you the two points.  After reviewing overall standings of those who would be affected, there would not be any W-L changes on my future banzuke post.  Therefore, rather than changing their point totals, I will put you in the middle with 2.5 points.  Thank you for double checking. 

[Ryoshishokunin]

Ah, the practicalities that affect the mono-ii decisions.  Very true-to-life.  

Thanks!