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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even decided.

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

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

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

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

Unique Chance

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

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

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

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

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

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers 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," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."