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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, 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 feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a highly specialized 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 completely valuable."