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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament 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 utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs 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 rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."