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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, 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 week's event marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

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

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating 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 strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

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 directly, you sense that you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."