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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the ground using raw power.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine 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 successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous 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."