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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi 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 wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

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 common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."