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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even decided.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

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

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

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

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

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."