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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."