The highlight of Hokutōriki's career came in May 2004, the only occasion when he recorded a winning score from the upper "maegashira" ranks. Ranked at "maegashira" 1, he sensationally defeated Asashōryū on the sixth day - his first ever victory over a "yokozuna". Asashōryū had won the previous two tournaments with unbeaten 15-0 records and was on a 35 bout winning streak. With Asashōryū suffering another defeat to Kyokutenhō on Day 11, Hokutōriki came into the final day the sole leader on 13-1, his only defeat in the tournament thus far being to Wakanosato on Day 8. However, he lost his "senshuraku" bout to Hakuhō, then in his debut top division tournament, being sidestepped by the 19-year-old after two false starts. With Asashōryū defeating Chiyotaikai, both Asashōryū and Hokutōriki were tied on 13-2 and had to meet again in a playoff for the championship, which Hokutōriki lost. Nevertheless, he was rewarded with special prizes for Fighting spirit and Outstanding Performance, and after the tournament he was promoted to sumo's third highest rank of "sekiwake".