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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators 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 soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

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

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life 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 falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."