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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties.

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

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source 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.

Potential Issues

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

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