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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

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

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete 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 declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."