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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest 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 train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

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

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

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 feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 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 professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity 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.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

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

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."