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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" 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, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source 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 rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

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

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."