It is done.
The 2024 March tournament has come to a close and we have our winner.
This was an amazing tournament. I’ve really enjoyed covering this one and I can’t wait to get started on my deep dives (report cards for everyone and a special spotlight on Kotonowaka).
The final day results, analysis and highlights are up on The Fight Site now. (link)
This tournament was very special for me, personally. This is the first tournament I have covered without Bloody Elbow’s support. And, rather surprisingly, I’ve had more growth here on Substack than ever before.
We are up to 465 subscribers (66 paid) now, with a massive chunk of folks joining us during the March tournament.
Thank you to everyone, whether you’re a new or old face around here. I really appreciate it. And the money from those paid subscriptions was very welcome given that I lost my main source of income when BE got sold and the new owners laid us all off.
I truly hope you enjoyed this tournament and that I was able to add something positive to your experience along the way.
Next up from me will be the first of my report card series (focusing on the lower half of the maegashira ranks).
There are few other things I’m thinking of sending out over the next few weeks, too. I’ve been brainstorming a questionarrie for readers to answer some questions about the future of this substack and the kind of content I could create here.
In the mean time, fight with spirit and take care.
Tim
PS. Bonus gif today is the rikishi’s rikishi Sadanoumi.
Gotta say, the last day's fightin' made it the best sensshuraku I've seen in years.
Next banzuke is gonna be interesting, considering how many guys in Makuuchi were make-koshi or worse this time. They had to skip the Struggle Bus, and charter a Struggle Train instead.