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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find 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, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."