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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

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

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

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

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

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