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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland 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 initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

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

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."