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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion 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 completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."