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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - 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 directly and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."