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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

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

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

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

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" 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 athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

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

In-Person Viewing

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

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

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."