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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

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

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

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

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

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

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."