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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence 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 decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

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

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."