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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

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

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

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

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."