Ritual, wrestling and Reddit: Grand Sumo meets internet fandom in London

As the tournament progresses, the competitors will be ranked win-loss records will be kept, and those with the best records will be promoted – either to the next highest division, or even to the next rank up within that division.

There is a ceremony at the end to celebrate the winners, with the victor often riding a lion dance, while the losers are consoled by the throwing of prizes – typically items like kimono, seaweed, and fish.

It’s a sport which dates back centuries, with an open recruitment drive which advertises for new wrestlers in newspapers. It also has strict rules, ranking handicaps, and accommodations made for players who have potentially career-ending injuries.

It’s not something that is likely to be taking place in your local sports club anytime soon – but for fans of sumo, the chance to see the real thing is an experience they will never forget.

For Spencer, the atmosphere was “amazing” and the view “awesome”. Of Julia and Cezar, it was “impressive and so inspiring”. For Eliot, “the proximity was incredible”.

Sumo wrestling is like no other sport in the world – and for those who love it, it’s a chance to witness something truly extraordinary. And this week, they will have that chance in London.