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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion 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 recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

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

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

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

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life 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 alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."