Needing eight wins to hold his rank in the May 2008 tournament, he won 12 consecutive bouts including dominating victories against "yokozuna" Asashōryū on the 11th day and "yokozuna" Hakuhō on the 12th day. He was easily defeated by Aminishiki on the 13th day, but came back strong to defeat Ama on the 14th day, becoming the first European to win a top division championship. His father was in the crowd to witness his victory. He was also congratulated by the Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov.