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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

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

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."