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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

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

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, 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 week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

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

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."