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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even determined.

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

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, 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 rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

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

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

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

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators 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 troubles 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 different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."