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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

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

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"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 similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."