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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

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

Welcome to 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 earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"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 Bouts

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

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

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

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

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - 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 competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving 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 worth every penny."