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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays 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 quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

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

First-Hand Experience

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."