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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, 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 massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover 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 rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

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

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

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

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

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 popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of 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 equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."