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Few sports can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

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

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to banish dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly 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 "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

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

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."