A day after receiving his first Emperor's Cup trophy, Summer Grand Sumo Tournament winner Asanoyama said the reality of his maiden top-level title was still sinking in on Monday.

Having clinched victory with a day to spare, the No. 8 maegashira, who debuted in the elite makuuchi division in 2017, became the first rank-and-file wrestler since 1961 to win a grand tournament before first having reached the three sanyaku ranks below yokozuna.

"I didn't imagine this," the 25-year-old grappler told reporters at his Takasago stable in Tokyo. "I never thought I would win a championship within three years (of my debut), so I've surprised myself. I want to use this championship to build my confidence."