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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."