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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

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

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan 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 discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

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

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man 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 - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more involved."

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

"Leaving 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 equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."