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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they clap to summon the gods.

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

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

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

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

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

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous 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."