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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Embrace 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 specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."