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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the UK competition 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 force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

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

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."