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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they consider the sport.

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

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

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."