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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

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

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time 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 won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."