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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

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

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite 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 elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, 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 rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

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 traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

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

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."