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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even contested.

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

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, 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 sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."