Dewanoumi stable
Ōnishiki trained under former "yokozuna" Hitachiyama Taniemon, joining his Dewanoumi stable. He was promoted to the top "makuuchi" division in January 1915. After finishing the May 1915 tournament with a 9–1 record at the "komusubi" rank, he was promoted to "ōzeki". He won his first "yūshō" or championship with a perfect 10–0 record in the January 1917 tournament and was promoted to "yokozuna". He reached the top "yokozuna" rank after only five tournaments, which is the all-time record.