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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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

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

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

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

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."