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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."