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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

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

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

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

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

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 feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 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 popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

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