How to Play Fantasy Sumo

Fantasy sumo works like fantasy football, with rikishi instead of quarterbacks. You draft a stable of real sumo wrestlers, then score points for what they actually do in the ring across a 15-day tournament (a basho). Here's the whole game in five steps.

  1. 1

    Join or create a league

    Start a private league with friends or join an open one. The commissioner (Riji-chō) sets the roster size and scoring, then everyone's in.

  2. 2

    Draft your stable

    Before the basho begins, teams take turns in a snake draft picking real sumo wrestlers — from Yokozuna down through the ranks. Balance star power against depth; you can't all draft the same Ozeki.

  3. 3

    Score every day of the basho

    As the 15-day tournament plays out, your wrestlers earn you points for real results — wins, a winning record, upsets, special prizes, and the championship. Scores update automatically each day.

  4. 4

    Cover injuries with an alternate

    Sumo is brutal and wrestlers go kyūjo (withdraw hurt). Each team can name one bench alternate and sub them in for an injured starter, so a mid-basho injury doesn't sink your tournament.

  5. 5

    Climb the standings

    Points roll up into a live leaderboard. Track your stable, talk trash, and chase the yūshō. When the basho ends, the top team takes the title.

Scoring

Default point values — every league's Riji-chō can customize them. Terms you don't recognize are in the sumo glossary.

EventPointsWhat it is
Win (per bout)+2Every victory by a wrestler on your roster.
Kachikoshi+5A wrestler clinches a winning record (8+ wins).
Kinboshi+4A Maegashira upsets a Yokozuna — sumo's gold star.
Zenshō+10A perfect 15–0 tournament.
Sanshō (special prize)+8Shukun-shō, Kantō-shō, or Ginō-shō.
Jun-yūshō+7Tournament runner-up.
Yūshō (championship)+15Your wrestler wins the Emperor's Cup.

FAQ

Is Dohyo Dynasty free?

Yes — Dohyo Dynasty is free to play. Create or join a league and draft your stable at no cost.

Do I need to know sumo to play?

No. If you can pick wrestlers you like, you can play — and you'll pick up the sport fast. New to the terms? Start with our sumo glossary.

What is a basho?

A basho is a professional sumo tournament. There are six a year, each running 15 days, with top-division wrestlers competing once per day. Your fantasy scoring runs across the whole basho.

When can I start?

Any time. Set up your league now and draft before the next basho begins so your roster is locked in for Day 1.

Ready to build your stable?

Browse the wrestlers, start a league, and draft before the next basho.

Start playing free →