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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the floor using brute strength.

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

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."