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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

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

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or clenching.

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

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."