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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence 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 other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."