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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers 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 dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the first things most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."