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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance 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.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source 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 sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."