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

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."