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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space 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 athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."