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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

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

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

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

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

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 popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."