The recent World Championships in Baku demonstrate a clear improvement in the standard of amateur sumo worldwide. Competition at the event showcased fewer instances of mismatched skill levels, suggesting a global narrowing of the gap between leading and developing sumo nations. Increasingly, more countries are demonstrating competitive strength in the sport, pointing towards a broader, more level playing field. This rise in technical proficiency is a positive sign for the future of international sumo. The Baku championships served as a key indicator of this trend, highlighting progress beyond traditional sumo strongholds. The event underscores the growing global appeal and developing expertise within the sport of sumo, particularly outside of Japan. This upward trajectory suggests continued growth and increased competition in future international sumo events.