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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The most use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."