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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."