Each match: 1 win or 1 loss recorded per rikishi (no scoring beyond W/L); Each basho: 15 days × 1 match per rikishi = up to 15 wins; Kachi-koshi: 8 or more wins in a 15-day basho = winning record (promotion + bonus)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that winning 8 matches is just a statistical average, when in fact it’s a hard-fought number representing an actual promotion threshold based on both skill and luck over multiple tournaments. They overlook the competitive nature of each bout and how even with consistent wins, unforeseen circumstances like injuries or matchups can still affect their final tally.
