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Few sports can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - 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 appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."