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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place 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 "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

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

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."