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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands 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 spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" 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 competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: 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 find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion 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 London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

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

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

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