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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

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 common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The most use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people consider when they consider the sport.

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."