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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover 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 specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

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

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

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

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