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

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - 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.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."