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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

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

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, 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 sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these 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."