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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, 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 sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."