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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi 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 massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."