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

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating 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 rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"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 similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."