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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 decided.

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators 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 troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

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

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."