Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even determined.
Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.
Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament
This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.
London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.
Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations
It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.
Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.
International Enthusiasts Find Sumo
For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.
This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.
From Edinburgh, Different Experience
Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.
"We saw it as 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 expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.
Rare Opportunity
Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.
This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.
Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.
First-Hand Experience
For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.
"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."
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 primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or clenching.
Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.
Front Row Positions
The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.
During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.
Organizational Issues
Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.
The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."
But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.
Potential Issues
Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.
Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.
Global Community
Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.
"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."
For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.
"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."
