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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 contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the London tournament 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," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using raw power.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."