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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

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

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."