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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, 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 London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

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

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

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

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."