The top-division winner of a sumo tournament receives the Emperor’s Cup.
The Emperor’s Cup is presented to the champion of the makuuchi division, the highest division in professional sumo. The winner is the wrestler with the best record after the tournament’s 15 days, with a playoff used when necessary to break a tie. The cup is a physical symbol of victory, while the championship also enters the wrestler’s official career record.
The prize was first presented in 1926, when the professional sport was administered by the Dai Nippon Sumo Association. Today, the Japan Sumo Association conducts the major tournaments and records their results. The champion also receives other prizes and awards, but the Emperor’s Cup is the principal championship trophy.
The cup should not be confused with the yūshō, the tournament championship itself, or with special prizes awarded for performance. Lower divisions have their own championship trophies, but the Emperor’s Cup specifically belongs to the top division.