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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early 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

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

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

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."