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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

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

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

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

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."