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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even decided.

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

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

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

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using brute strength.

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

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find 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 strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."