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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts 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 discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."