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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

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

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

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